In his second match in charge of AmaZulu, co-coach Arthur Zwane is persuading his players to be “fearless” in the Betway Premiership clash against Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium on Friday evening.
Kick-off is at 19:30 CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Orlando Pirates have won all four of their league matches, and have also shown the same vigour in other competitions.
Despite being shockingly knocked out of the Carling Black Label Cup by newly promoted side Magesi, it seems the team has very little worry about their performance.
The Buccaneers are currently toe to toe with fellow league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, with the same amount of points and goal difference.
As for AmaZulu, the team has struggled to find their rhythm this season, losing all three of their first matches in the league and also getting knocked out of the Carling Cup by Stellenbosch FC.
This sees Usuthu in a desperate position to start picking up wins as the season begins to add more pressure for teams to perform.
WHAT WAS SAID
As aforementioned, Arthur Zwane would like to see his players take a more hands on approach in the match against Pirates.
“We want our players to play without fear. You can't be in the Premiership and have fear of winning games, we can beat anyone,” Zwane said.
“Stellenbosch, with the quality team they have, not so long ago were playing in the final and they did well.”
“And we gave them a scare, so it was not a walk in the park for them. When we look at where we come from and as much as Stellenbosch beat us, they had to dig deep for them to go to the next round,” he added.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Evidence Makgopa, Orlando Pirates - The forward scored in matches against Magesi and SuperSport United, and seemingly has picked his form back up for the club as Jose Riveiro continues to keep him in the fold. Another goal for the player could secure his place in the starting line-up in the future.
Rowan Human, AmaZulu - The 23-year-old has made a comeback from injury and showed perseverance in the clash against Stellenbosch. Seemingly back to his best, Human will hope to work hard and show the new Usuthu head coaches that he’s capable of the task at hand.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
LAST FIVE LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2021/22 Pirates 2-1 AmaZulu Peprah 2; Memela
2022/23 Pirates 1-1 AmaZulu Mothwa (og); Maduna (pen)
2022/23 AmaZulu 0-4 Pirates Monyane, Mofokeng, Saleng, Dlamini
2023/24 AmaZulu 0-0 Pirates
2023/24 Pirates 1-0 AmaZulu Mabasa