Bullish AmaZulu won't do Pirates any favours

AmaZulu FC will go head to head with Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in their final DStv Premiership match of the campaign on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:00 pm.

FORM

Usuthu succumbed to a 1-0 loss to Lamontville Golden Arrows away on May 13 and therefore, the KwaZulu-Natal giants are winless in their last two matches.

The Durban side is placed 12th on the DStv Premiership standings - two points behind 10th-placed TS Galaxy and four points clear of the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by a stubborn Sekhukhune United side at home on May 13 and the Soweto giants are undefeated in their last 11 competitive games.

The Buccaneers are placed second on the DStv Premiership standings, but they are level on points with SuperSport United as the two teams target the runners-up spot.

TEAM NEWS

AmaZulu have been handed a blow as their first-choice left-back Riaan Hanamub, who has three assists this term, will be missing due to a one-match suspension.

Pirates, on the other hand, will also miss the services of one of their key centre backs Tapelo Xoki who is suspended while Thembinkosi Lorch is an injury doubt.

WHAT WAS SAID?

AmaZulu FC interim coach Ayanda Dlamini

"We are going to this game with the aim of ending the season with a win and continuing to build for next season. Pirates have their goals, SuperSport too. We are motivated to win the game and entertain our fans," Dlamini said.

"We will gain something from this game. If we don't win we will lose points. We will be as determined as we have been, nothing will change.

"I have told the players that if anyone thinks that there is nothing left to play for, they should go on vacation early and not bother coming to training sessions. For me, it is very important that we win our last game."

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro

"We need to win. Firstly, it's going to be a difficult game, away. AmaZulu is an excellent team so we need to think about how we are going to win the game. It's the last game of the season. So we need to win, we need the three points," Riveiro said.

"We have a small minimal advantage but if you think about the scenario three months ago and the advantage that our opposition had in that moment, I think we can be proud of the performance of the team in the last part of the season.

"We are glad to be in the last fixture with the opportunity in our hands to be second. We are going to fight for that and that's all we need to do. We need to win, hopefully with enough advantage to consolidate the second position."

AmaZulu:PLAYERS TO WATCH

George Maluleka: The experienced midfielder remains AmaZulu's most creative player with six assists this term. Maluleka will be eager to dominate the midfield battle in order to put his side in a good position to win the game.

Bonginkosi Ntuli: The bulky marksman has slowly been rediscovering his old form having netted in two of his last five matches. Ntuli will be looking to use his imposing physique to bully Pirates defenders during the encounter.

Orlando Pirates: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Monnapule Saleng: The 2022-23 DStv Premiership Footballer of the Season nominee grabbed his sixth assist of the season against Sekhukhune and he has the ability to single-handedly inspire Pirates to a win over AmaZulu.

Terrence Dzvukamanja: The 29-year-old forward has formed a deadly partnership with Saleng with the duo having scored 17 goals between them in the league this term. Dzvukamanja will pose an earial threat to Usuthu.