Usuthu host winless Chippa in KwaMashu

AmaZulu will look to continue their super form in the Absa Premiership when they host Chippa United at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Saturday evening.

Kick-off is at 8:15pm CAT.

AmaZulu claimed a third straight win then they defeated Stellenbosch FC 2-0 at home on Wednesday, November 6. Striker Bonginkosi Ntuli continued his hot streak with two more goals, helping Usuthu move to seven points from five home matches this season.

Mario Booysen's arrival on the KwaZulu-Natal east coast has also come as a timely boost to the club, as AmaZulu aim to continue the early success achieved under head coach Jozef Vukusic.

“Keeping a clean sheet is as good as scoring a goal. If you are able to prevent the other team from scoring, then one goal is good enough to get the win, so the pressure is taken off our attackers to keep providing a number of goals,” said Booysen.

“Defenders don’t always get the recognition they deserve and I think now that we have gone back to back games without conceding a goal, it is a massive confidence booster for us going into the next game.”

Chippa, meanwhile, saw their troubles extended with a 2-0 loss at home to Kaizer Chiefs on the same evening. The Chilli Boys have suffered four straight defeats, have yet to win a league match this season, and have taken zero points on the road thus far.

It has been a tough start to life in Port Elizabeth for head coach Norman Mapeza and with several injury blows in midweek, he has a tough task ahead of him as Chippa aim to turn the corner.

"It was unfortunate but credit must go to the boys, it was a massive improvement ever since I've been here. What we need is to keep working hard, keep believing and see how it progresses," Mapeza said.

"I'm so happy for the boys, there are so many positives since the Mamelodi Sundowns game. We are improving with each game, we just need to keep working hard.

"I said after I arrived that we need to have depth in the squad, now we have three guys who are out and I don't know what's gonna happen come Friday but I'm sure we'll come up with something when we go to AmaZulu."

STAR PLAYERS TO WATCH

AmaZulu

Bongi Ntuli: The burly forward has scored all of AmaZulu's league goals this season and with five goals in his last three games, Ntuli is the league's in form striker. While he will need help in the goal scoring department if Usuthu are to continue their climb up the log standings, for the time being at least, the KwaZulu Natal club will be placing their trust in Ntuli.

Mario Booysen: The towering defender had a debut to forget, but with two solid performances in his last two games, Booysen will be brimming with confidence as Usuthu prepare to play host to a struggling Chippa outfit. The experienced centre-back, though, will be wary of the fact that the Chilli Boys resemble a wounded animal and AmaZulu will be desperate to not be the first team who fall victim to Chippa this season.

Chippa United

Augustine Kwem: Chippa haven't found the back of the net in their last five league matches, but in Kwem they might have found a solution for their goal scoring problems. The Nigerian forward will run hard at the Usuthu defence and having netted a neat goal against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout just a few days ago, he is familiar with the back of the net.

William Twala: If the Chilli Boys are to end their goal scoring problems, wing players like Twala will need to up their game. Having yet to register a single assist or goal in the league this season, the former Kaizer Chiefs man will be determined to not only break his duck, but to help Chippa to their first win of the season.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

All league results

Season Result Scorers

2012/13 Chippa 1-1 AmaZulu Qalanto; Khumalo
2012/13 AmaZulu 1-2 Chippa Ndulula; Carelse 2 (2 pens)
2014/15 AmaZulu 0-1 Chippa Mvelase
2014/15 Chippa 1-1 AmaZulu Pietersen (og); Mabizela
2017/18 Chippa 2-0 AmaZulu Sekola, Mabaso
2017/18 AmaZulu 0-2 Chippa Mntambo 2
2018/19 Chippa 0-1 AmaZulu Ncube
2018/19 AmaZulu 0-1 Chippa Mbenyane

League record (since 2012/13)

Home

P W D L GF GA

AmaZulu 4 0 0 4 1 6
Chippa 4 1 2 1 4 3

Away

P W D L GF GA

AmaZulu 4 1 2 1 3 4
Chippa 4 4 0 0 6 1

Total

P W D L GF GA

AmaZulu 8 1 2 5 4 10
Chippa 8 5 2 1 10 4