We won't make things easy for anyone, says AmaZulu coach ahead of Pirates clash

AmaZulu coach Sboniso Vilakazi says it is about time his team stands up and shows they are no longer a small team.

Usuthu will face Orlando Pirates in a Diski Challenge second match on Saturday at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale.

Kick-off is at noon, CAT.

Pirates are currently third in the Diski Challenge table with 48 points, and AmaZulu are fourth with 38 points. There is eight points gap between the two sides.

Vilakazi said their target is to finish in a respectable position as the title is no longer within their reach as they are 11 points behind leaders SuperSport United.

"What is important is that we want to do better than the previous season. If you remember well towards the end of the past campaign we started integrating new boys. And if you look since the league started we have been in the top eight since the start," said Vilakazi.

"In terms of performance, we are doing exceptionally well. Furthermore, we have been very consistent. We win some, lose some and draw some, but the performance is important.

Vilakazi continued: "I would be greedy if I put pressure to players to win the league. For me there's a lot of improvement. The most important thing we want to finish as high as we can."

On facing Pirates, Vilakazi believes they will complete a double over The Buccaneers. In the league's first round, AmaZulu defeated Pirates 1-0 at Rand Stadium. Msindisi Ndlovu scored the only goal of the match on that day."

Vilakazi said: "Pirates are doing well and are contesting. It is not going to be an easy game. They are coming to us motivated after winning the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs – the stats favour them, but if we perform at our maximum, we can surprise them.