Chiefs welcome AmaZulu in bid to end drought

rugby20 October 2023 08:40| © Backpage TXT

Kaizer Chiefs will face off with AmaZulu FC in Saturday's Carling Knockout last-16 encounter at the 2010 Fifa World Cup final venue, FNB Stadium.

Kick-off is at 6:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Amakhosi view this cup competition as an opportunity to end their eight-year trophy drought and they are the most decorated team in the history of the league cup, having lifted it a record 13 times.

Chiefs have blown hot and cold this season, having suffered a 1-0 loss to Cape Town City on 3 October, and it was their third defeat in their last three games in the DStv Premiership.

Meanwhile, AmaZulu tasted success in this cup competition when it was still known as the Coca-Cola Cup - defeating Chiefs in an enthralling final in 1992.

Usuthu are winless in their last two matches in the DStv Premiership, having drawn 0-0 with Polokwane City on 25 September before succumbing to a 2-1 loss to Moroka Swallows on 29 September.

TEAM NEWS

The Chiefs quartet of Brandon Petersen, George Matlou, Sifiso Hlanti and Jasond Gonzalez missed the game against Cape Town City due to their respective injuries and it is unclear whether they will be available for selection this weekend.

AmaZulu, on the other hand, will be without the services of defender-come-midfielder Abubakar Mobara, who is suspended after having been sent off during the game against Swallows.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki

“We are looking forward to this important match against AmaZulu. We have seen them play good football since we won 3-0 against them. There has been a lot of improvement on the side of AmaZulu," Ntseki said.

"When I look back and reflect, they gave us a very tough game. On the day, the plan worked for us, and we managed to get the three goals. We are looking forward to another tough match, but the tactical preparations have gone well going into this match.

“We have not been winning in the Cup games ... Now is the time for us to turn the corner. It comes with hard work, proper preparation and the respect you give to your opponents. But at the same time, there is only one team that has to win."

AmaZulu head coach Pablo Franco Martin

“We have faced them in the league, we were defeated, so now it’s an opportunity to take revenge. So, it’s a bit of a motivation. The only thing I’m worried about is the factor of playing away," Franco Martin said.

"Because we have to play Chippa away on the 28 [October], we also play Orlando Pirates on [24 October]. There’s travelling, no time for preparation, no time to rest. So, that is what happens to us as coaches because I want to play big games.

"I have to prepare well. We want to show respect for all competitions. We don’t want to give any game away, we need to be competitive and show respect to our fans as well."

Kaizer Chiefs: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Edson Castillo: The Venezuela international has proved to be a goalscoring midfielder, having netted four goals for Amakhosi this season, and he will pose a threat to AmaZulu in the final third.

Ashley du Preez: The speedster grabbed a goal and an assist in his last three matches across all competitions. Du Preez has the ability to single-handedly inspire Chiefs to a win over Usuthu.

AmaZulu FC: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ethan Brooks: The diminutive midfielder has become a regular for Usuthu under Franco Martin this term and he scored against Swallows. Brooks will be keen to play a key role in helping Usuthu overcome Chiefs.

Sere Junior Dion: The bulky forward has netted twice in three games for AmaZulu in the current campaign and he will be eager to find the back of the net against Amakhosi's leaky defence.

Head-to-Head (since 1985)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

1987 Mainstay Cup, final Chiefs 1-0 AmaZulu Maponyane

1989 JPS, 1st round Chiefs 4-0 AmaZulu Thindwa, McGregor 2, Khuse

1992 Coca-Cola Cup, final Chiefs 1-3 AmaZulu Phadime; Magagula, Dearnley, Mwale

1994 BP Top 8, semifinal AmaZulu 1-2 Chiefs Magagula; Nyirenda, Amukola

2010-11 Telkom KO, last 16 AmaZulu 0-2 Chiefs Nale, Letsholonyane

2017-18 Telkom KO, last 16 Chiefs 3-0 AmaZulu Maluleka, Ekstein, Tshabalala

2022/-23 MTN8 semi, 1st leg Chiefs 1-1 AmaZulu Dolly; Mhango

2022-23 MTN8 semi, 2nd leg AmaZulu 0-0 Chiefs

CUP RECORD