In an effort to see the silver lining in their torrid start to the season, AmaZulu will be hoping to grab a win against Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday evening.
Kick-off is at 19:00 CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
As aforementioned, AmaZulu have had a less than desirable start to the 2024/25 season, losing all three matches against Polokwane City, Kaizer Chiefs and Marumo Gallants respectively.
This saw the club take drastic measures in sacking their former Spanish coach, Pablo Franco Martin and bringing in Arthur Zwane and Vusimuzi Vilakazi as co-coaches.
For Stellenbosch, the Western Cape outfit lost to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final and their league form has been inconsistent as they’ve only won one match against Cape Town City.
Stellies lost their opening match in the Betway Premiership to Golden Arrows 2-0 and their last league fixture saw the team draw 1-1 with Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
WHAT WAS SAID
Usuthu co-head coach Arthur Zwane said in a press conference that the team understands the importance of winning the match against Stellies following their start to the season.
“We’re playing against a top team, there’s no doubt about it,” he said.
“They are oozing confidence, they’ve been doing very well. We’re expecting nothing but a tough game. It’s all up to us on how we neutralise them.”
“Our players know what is at stake and we also know. This is one game for me that will be a confidence booster, and for the players as well,” Zwane added.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Richard Ofori, AmaZulu - With No 1 goalkeeper Veli Mothwa recently coming under fire for his mistakes between the sticks, the experienced Ghanaian might come into the side as his fitness seems to have improved dramatically since joining the club as a free agent.
Devin Titus, Stellenbosch - The 24-year-old midfielder is yet to get off the mark this season, however he has an assist under his belt from the MTN8, showing that his passes have the ability to penetrate leaky defences.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
CUP RECORD
N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of AmaZulu FC and Stellenbosch FC.