AmaZulu to try and stop Sundowns’ runaway train

AmaZulu will be the latest team to try and stop the runaway train that is Mamelodi Sundowns, when the teams meet for a DStv Premiership clash at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Monday evening, December 20, 2021.

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Kick-off is at 7.30pm CAT.

AmaZulu broke a run of seven straight draws when they defeated Marumo Gallants 1-0 away from home on Friday evening, with a late strike from defender Thembela Sikhakhane. The Durban side is unbeaten in their last 10 league outings, but will be taking nothing for granted against Sundowns.

“I think fittingly, with the number of set pieces we had, and the amount of time we have been spending on working on set pieces, the winner has come from a set piece,” said AmaZulu assistant coach Vasili Manousakis.

“Not the best in possession over the full 90 minutes, but we’re playing a quality team who hadn’t lost in the last four games, we have to look at all those aspects, you look at [goalkeeper] Neil Boshoff who’s kept a clean sheet... very difficult to come in from not playing and take over from Veli [Mothwa], so when you look at it overall, very, very happy with what happened [against Gallants].

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He added, “The final push, freshen up the team. We are not used to playing these congested fixtures because of CAF commitments, so there’s a lot of respect to Sundowns, who do it year in and year out, they have the squad and the resources.”

Usuthu have claimed 13 points from nine home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-2 draw with Chippa United earlier this month.

Sundowns, meanwhile, moved up to 17 games unbeaten since the start of the season and further strengthened their grip on top spot with a 4-1 home win over Orlando Pirates on Friday, with goals from Themba Zwane, Pavol Safranko (two) and Peter Shalulile.

Once again ‘Downs showed what an adaptable team they are, shrugging off a difficult first 45 minutes before showing their class after the break – and with a new potency from set pieces.

“In the second half we changed things a little bit, we pushed our fullbacks higher,” explained co-coach Rhulani Mokwena. “The players did well to adapt tactically to the instructions at half time.”

He added, “A huge credit to coach Steve [Khompela] and the analysts for the work that they did in relation to the set pieces.”

The Brazilians have claimed 15 points from seven away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 win at SuperSport United earlier this month.

In head-to-head stats, Sundowns and AmaZulu have met in 62 league matches since 1985. The Brazilians have claimed 40 wins compared to eight for Usuthu, while 14 matches have been drawn. The Durban side has won just two of their 31 home matches in the rivalry, suffering 21 defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in August 2021, Sundowns claimed a 1-0 home win thanks to a penalty from Themba Zwane.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: AMAZULU

Thembela Sikhakhane – A first career goal for Sikhakhane ended AmaZulu’s long run of draws. The defender will be an important figure in attack with his overlapping runs, but he’ll also have a key role in defending his right flank against a rampant Sundowns attack.

Neil Boshoff – The Usuthu goalkeeper is set to be a busy man against the league’s most potent attack, though he will be in a confident frame of mind after keeping a fine clean sheet against Marumo Gallants on Friday evening.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

Pavol Safranko – The Slovak striker scored twice against Orlando Pirates on Friday evening and proved that he adds a different dimension to Sundowns’ attack. He may not be a starter against AmaZulu on Monday, but even off the bench he provides a potent threat.

Themba Zwane – Sundowns’ playmaker in chief, Zwane has the passing range, creativity and ruthlessness to cut open any defence in the DStv Premiership. He will be aiming to cause all kinds of troubles for the team in green at Kings Park.