AmaZulu, Stellenbosch in 'six-pointer' clash

AmaZulu FC will square off with Stellenbosch FC in a DStv Premiership encounter at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday.

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Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT.

Usuthu are enjoying a three-match unbeaten run across all competitions having claimed a 1-0 win over Algeria's ES Setif in the CAF Champions League match at home last week Friday.

The KwaZulu-Natal giants find themselves placed seventh on the DStv Premiership standings - three points behind fourth-placed Orlando Pirates and they will move up on the log with a win over Stellies.

Philani Zulu, the AmaZulu left-back, stressed the importance of winning their game against Stellenbosch and he hopes they replicate the same form they displayed against Setif.

"Wednesday's game is very important because we haven't won a [domestic] league game this year," Zulu said.

"So, we have to take the positives from our clash with Setif into our game against Stellenbosch because they are not an easy opponent to play against.

"They are a determined team, they have a style of play which is similar to how we play. So, we have to play the same way we played against Setif."

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch are winless in their last two matches across all competitions having drawn 1-1 with Swallows FC at home in a DStv Premiership encounter on February 16.

Stellies are placed fifth on the league standings - three points behind second-placed Royal AM as the battle to finish in the top two positions intensifies in the second round of the current campaign.

Steve Barker, Stellenbosch head coach, described their encounter against AmaZulu as a six-pointer with the Western Cape side keen to secure a win in Durban.

"A positive result against AmaZulu puts up joint second along with Royal AM. So, there is a lot to play for. AmaZulu are a team that is doing well," Barker said.

"They have done well against big teams in the Champions League and this makes them a formidable opposition. They also have their own ambitions of being on top in the our league.

"So, these are the type of games we see as a six-pointer. It is a massive game for us."

AmaZulu: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Luvuyo Memela: AmaZulu will pin their hopes of defeating Stellenbosch on the former Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder, who scored winning goals against Setif and Guinean giants Horoya AC in the Champions League.

Augustine Mulenga: The skillful forward tends to use his explosive speed and silky dribbling skills to get himself in goalscoring positions. Mulenga will be hoping to create big problems for the Stellebosch defence.

Stellenbosch: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Juan Ortiz: The Venezuelan attacker marked his debut in the DStv Premiership with an assist against Swallows and he will be confident of scoring his first goal in South African football when he faces AmaZulu.

Ashley Du Preez: The talented forward is one of the reasons why Stellies are challenging for the league's two top positions this term having been involved in seven goals. Du Preez has the ability to inspire Stellies to a win in Durban.