Cape Town Spurs seek hope against AmaZulu

Cape Town Spurs will be hoping to regain their form as they face a tough test against AmaZulu at the Athlone Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Saturday evening.

Kick off is at 5:30 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM:

Before the break due to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Cape Town Spurs had suffered their third defeat in a row in the league, the most recent one being a 2-0 loss to their neighbourhood rivals, Cape Town City.

As for AmaZulu, their last match in the league was a comfortable 3-0 win against their own rivals, Royal AM, where Andile Mpisane made his debut in the PSL.

TEAM NEWS:

Zambian international Augustine Mulenga made a return to Usuthu after spending the first half of his season at Chippa United. Mulenga was released by the Gqeberha unit and Usuthu also confirmed the exit of Sphesihle Maduna, who has not played for the club this season.

Elsewhere, Cape Town Spurs announced Chumani Butsaka as their new captain for the second half of the season as they try to escape relegation. The Cape Town-born player was a pivotal part of the Urban Warriors’ promotion to the DStv Premiership.

WHAT WAS SAID:

Cape Town Spurs head coach Ernst Middendorp

As the Urban Warriors have a main goal of changing their fortunes in the second half of the season, Middendorp spoke about the plan going forward.

“We have to look at the league and the position we are in and try to find solutions to have a better second half of the season in the remaining 14 games to have a chance to keep the PSL status alive,” said Middendorp.

“We need to have a clear structure and be very calm in these moments despite the position we are in the league.”

AmaZulu head coach Pablo Franco Martin

Following their emphatic victory against Royal AM in the KZN derby before the break, Franco Martin expressed his assessment of the team’s overall performance.

The coach took the time off as a “mini pre-season” and looks forward to the business end of the season.

“We want to keep growing, aiming for the upper part of the table,” he said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Hendrick Ekstein, AmaZulu: The midfielder was named the Ambitious Player of the Quarter by his club and all eyes will be on him to see if he can replicate his form from the first half of the season.

Ekstein has been crucial in the middle for his playmaking skills and creating chances.

Luke Baartman, Cape Town Spurs: The young striker is hot at the moment and has shown moments of brilliance against the “Soweto giants” Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. With the Urban Warriors misfiring in front, a start for Baartman could possibly produce a different story.

Baartman also scored in the previous fixture, where AmaZulu were playing at home and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.