Chippa wary of AmaZulu's Ntuli

Chippa United will face off with AmaZulu FC in a DStv Premiership encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 3:30 pm CAT.

The Chilli Boys recorded their second successive defeat in the league when they lost 2-1 to Swallows FC at home on 26 February and they have won just one of their last 10 matches in the competition.

The Eastern Cape side is placed 13th on the DStv Premiership standings - three points above the relegation zone and the club has since dismissed Morgan Mammila and reappointed Kurt Lentjies as the head coach.

Ayabulela Konqobe, the Chippa defender-come-midfielder, identified Bonginkosi Ntuli as the main threat in AmaZulu's attack and he explained how they plan to defeat Usuthu.

"We have been working a lot on our attacking, defending and transition. I can say that we are well prepared for AmaZulu," Konqobe said.

"It is another home game. So, we will be pushing to make our fans and chairman proud. I can say we are up for the task. AmaZulu have a few top players. I would say Bongi Ntuli is one of their top scorers.

"I know our centre-backs will take care of their strikers. We just have to focus on ourselves and score goals in order to finish the game as early as possible."

Meanwhile, AmaZulu are now winless in five matches in the DStv Premiership, having fought back to hold Royal AM to a 1-1 draw at home on 25 February.

Usuthu are placed 11th on the DStv Premiership standings - two points behind seventh-placed Sekhukhune United as the battle to finish in the top eight intensifies with nine matches left.

Romain Folz, the AmaZulu head coach, was disappointed with the officiating during their game against Royal and he felt that his side played well on the day.

"We have nothing to do with the fact that we couldn't win this game. Our performance was fine. We did all we could to win the game. We should have won 2-1,'' Folz said.

"Even if it was an off-side by 10km, it was a handball before that, a clear one in the box. My problem here is that the fourth referee came to us and lied, saying he was communicating with the referee.

"When mistakes happen anytime, it's not mistakes anymore."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chippa United:

Thabiso Lebitso: The speedy winger's unpredictable and incisive movement unsettled the Swallows defence and he grabbed his second league goal of the season. Lebitso is likely to pose a threat to the AmaZulu defence with his movement and combination play.

Godspower Ighodaro: The Mamelodi Sundowns loanee, who has netted seven league goals this term, extended his goal drought to three matches when he failed to score against Swallows and he will be hungry for goals when he faces AmaZulu's leaky defence.

AmaZulu:

Riaan Hanamub: The Namibia international has been one of AmaZulu's standout performers this season due to his consistency as the club's first-choice left-back. Hanamub, who has two assists in the league, will pose a threat to Chippa with his delivery from set-pieces.

Bonginkosi Ntuli: The bulky marksman is slowly regaining his old form having scored twice in his last three matches and he is now on four goals across all competitions. Ntuli has the ability to single-handedly inspire AmaZulu to a victory over the Chilli Boys.