AmaZulu seeking winning start to 2025 in KZN derby

AmaZulu will be looking to carry their winning momentum into 2025 when they go up against Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in the KZN derby set to take place in the Betway Premiership on Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 15:30 CAT.

CURRENT FORM

AmaZulu have won two out of their last three matches and are coming off the back of a 1-0 victory in the league against Cape Town City.

They lost 1-0 to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, however they won the KZN derby against Royal AM 2-1 as they continue to regroup this season.

As for Golden Arrows, their most recent league fixture saw them play to a goalless draw against Polokwane City. Prior to that, Abafana Bes’Thende suffered a 1-0 defeat against fellow KZN outfit Richards Bay at home.

WHAT WAS SAID

Newly signed AmaZulu midfielder Bongani Zungu is looking forward to his debut for the club ahead of their clash against Golden Arrows.

"Yeah, first I'm very happy to be here and I'm happy that God gave me an opportunity to showcase my talent more especially to the team. Obviously, that's how football players should thank the president and coaches when you do play,” Zungu said.

“I'm very happy to be here and yeah, according to what I know, I am available for selection this weekend and I'm looking forward to it.”

Zungu's final competitive match with Mamelodi Sundowns occurred during the season's concluding league fixture in May.

Throughout the previous season, he participated in 30 games across various competitions for the team.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hendrick Ekstein, AmaZulu - The in-form attacking midfielder has netted four goals in seven appearances for Usuthu and will be eager to build on his tally as the KZN outfit continues to recover their season.

Ryan Moon, Golden Arrows - The forward has scored three goals in four appearances for Arrows, and the 28-year-old looks to be enjoying his football this season following disappointing spells with other clubs in the premiership.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2019/20 Arrows 1-1 AmaZulu Sibiya (pen); Ntuli (pen)

2019/20 AmaZulu 1-2 Arrows Sithebe; Mutizwa 2 (1 pen)

2020/21 AmaZulu 0-2 Arrows Sibiya (pen), Ndwandwe

2020/21 Arrows 0-1 AmaZulu Memela

2021/22 Arrows 2-2 AmaZulu Mutizwa (pen), Mathiane; Mlambo, Ntuli (pen)

2021/22 AmaZulu 1-2 Arrows Maduna; Ndwandwe, Sibiya (pen)

2022/23 AmaZulu 0-1 Arrows Mmodi

2022/23 Arrows 1-0 AmaZulu Ndlovu

2023/24 Arrows 1-3 AmaZulu Shitolo; Kwem 3

2023/24 AmaZulu 1-3 Arrows Kwem; Moon, Mthanti, Ncube