In what is billed as one of the most keenly anticipated ties in the most recent round of DStv Premiership fixtures, Sekhukhune United will host AmaZulu at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening.
Kick-off is at 5:30pm (SA, GMT +2).
As a major storyline ahead of the tie, Sekhukhune United coach Brandon Truter will face his former side, while Romain Folz battles to get Usuthu back to winning ways.
Babina Noko’s form sheet does not make for good reading, particularly with their results in their last five league games. With one win, two draws and two defeats during this time, Sekhukhune find themselves lingering on the log’s relegation zone.
The last time Sekhukhune claimed maximum points in the DStv Premiership was on 4 October, where they recorded a shock 2-0 win over an in-form Orlando Pirates outfit at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
In speaking about facing his former team, Truter mentioned that he is solely focused on the task at hand, while looking ahead into the new year on a positive note.
“For us it's about us,” Truter said. “For us, it's a home game, for us it's about winning, setting a trend and about going into the new year with three points.
“I’m not really focused on AmaZulu at the moment, they have a new coach after I departed, so there’s new strategies, new tactics that’s there.
“We’ll analyse the last few games, we’ll analyse the MTN8 final and see what we can come up with but for us, it's about us at the moment.”
As for AmaZulu, Folz’s side are currently on a run of two consecutive defeats in all competitions. In the MTN8 final, AmaZulu succumbed to a 1-0 loss against Orlando Pirates on 5 November, while Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a 3-0 win over Usuthu in the Carling Black Label Cup final a week later.
In the DStv Premiership, AmaZulu picked up one loss, four draws and one victory in their last five outings. Folz and company recorded a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC on 30 October, which was their most recent win in the league.
Despite their inconsistent run, AmaZulu maintain a respectable place on the log and currently occupy seventh spot after 13 matches played.
In reflecting on AmaZulu’s loss in the CBL Cup final, Folz touched on his side’s lack of fitness and that his priority is to get the club back on track.
“I felt like most of our players were not ready physically,” Folz said.
“When you face a Sundowns team that is good on the ball, you must make sure you play well and move the ball very quickly.
“When I came here, my priority was to stop the sequence of defeats at the club and try to get everyone in a state of mind to understand they can be solid as a unit."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sekhukhune United
Linda Mntambo: It can be said that the midfielder has been one of, if not Sekhukhune’s best player this season. While he primarily keeps things ticking in midfield, Mntambo often chips in with goal attempts and contributions.
Victor Letsoalo: After a slow start to the 2022-23 season, Letsoalo bettered his form as the campaign progressed. While goals may have been hard to come by, Letsoalo speed, energy and willingness to run for the team has been some of his best attributes.
AmaZulu
Mhango Gabadinho: With four goals to his name, Mhango is currently AmaZulu’s leading goal scorer this season. Also, the Malawian is fourth on the League’s top goalscorer's chart and will no doubt put the Sekhukhune defence on high alert.
Keagan Buchanan: Buchanan has been a star for Usuthu this season and hardly put a foot wrong when stepping out on the pitch this season. The midfielder’s ability to read the game, coupled with his astute technical skills will make him an asset against a Sekhukhune side who could look to sit back in their own half.