Battle lines drawn in crucial AmaZulu v Arrows clash

Golden Arrows will renew their rivalry with AmaZulu FC in Saturday's Betway Premiership encounter at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale in Durban.

Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Abafana Bes'thende extended their unbeaten run to three matches when they drew 1-1 with Marumo Gallants away on 19 April and it was the second successive draw.

Arrows find themselves placed 12th in the Betway Premiership standings - four points above the relegation playoff spot (15th) and four points behind eighth-placed Kaizer Chiefs.

Meanwhile, AmaZulu recorded their second defeat in their last three matches when they lost 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC away on 15 April and prior to that game, they had defeated Richards Bay.

Usuthu are still occupying the ninth spot in the Betway Premiership standings - three points behind fifth-placed TS Galaxy and a win over Arrows would see AmaZulu climb into the top eight.

TEAM NEWS

Golden Arrows and AmaZulu teams have no suspension concerns coming into this KwaZulu-Natal Derby and they are yet to report injuries in their respective camps.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi

“What I am happy about is that my boys are beginning to understand that they can control the game," Mngqithi said.

"I don’t remember any scary moments. I remember one save by my goalkeeper. We were not playing an easy team."

AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane

“We’re just hoping we’ll get the maximum points, though it’s not going to be an easy one," Zwane said.

"We’ve played more games than anyone else, so that’s why we must make sure we get maximum points in all the remaining games so that at least we secure a top eight spot."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nduduzo Sibiya, Golden Arrows: The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has scored two goals in his last three matches and he will pose a threat to AmaZulu with his deadly late runs into the opposition's box.

Taariq Fielies, AmaZulu: The lanky central defender recently netted his 20th career goal against Richards Bay, earning Usuthu a victory and he could create problems for Arrows from set-pieces.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2019/20 AmaZulu 1-2 Arrows Sithebe; Mutizwa 2 (1 pen)

2020/21 AmaZulu 0-2 Arrows Sibiya (pen), Ndwandwe

2020/21 Arrows 0-1 AmaZulu Memela

2021/22 Arrows 2-2 AmaZulu Mutizwa (pen), Mathiane; Mlambo, Ntuli (pen)

2021/22 AmaZulu 1-2 Arrows Maduna; Ndwandwe, Sibiya (pen)

2022/23 AmaZulu 0-1 Arrows Mmodi

2022/23 Arrows 1-0 AmaZulu Ndlovu

2023/24 Arrows 1-3 AmaZulu Shitolo; Kwem 3

2023/24 AmaZulu 1-3 Arrows Kwem; Moon, Mthanti, Ncube