Usuthu seek to bounce back in Royal AM derby

AmaZulu will look to get back to winning ways when they face fellow KZN based Royal AM at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday evening.

Kick-off is at 19:30 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

AmaZulu have begun to recover from their poor start to the season, winning back-to-back league games against Chippa United and Richards Bay respectively.

The Durban-based team lost their latest match against TS Galaxy, and are placed 14th at the moment in the Betway Premiership standings.

Meanwhile, Royal AM managed to hold Kaizer Chiefs to a 2-2 draw in their previous league outing. This result came after they lost two matches in a row versus Polokwane City and Golden Arrows.

John Maduka’s men are placed 12th on the log with eight points after nine games, just two points clear of their Friday opponents.

WHAT WAS SAID

AmaZulu head co-coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi believes that it’s still too early “panic buttons” while the team continues to find their feet.

“We strongly believe there are a lot of positives we can take going forward. We just need to align a few areas, especially our defensive structure,” said Vilakazi.

"Teams are scoring [against AmaZulu] very easily, but we find it very difficult to score goals, even though we do create scoring opportunities.”

"So we just need to balance the two in terms of the proper defensive structure, and also try to be clinical in front of goals. So it's work in progress, but we don't have time, we have to work,” he added.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Etiosa Ighodaro, AmaZulu — The Nigerian striker has impressed in recent days and will be looking to increase his tally of goals in the league. Eager to show his parent club Mamelodi Sundowns what he’s made of, an opportunity presents itself for him to shine against a struggling Royal AM.

Thabo Matlaba, Royal AM — Known for his long range shots with both feet, the right-footed left-back will be dangerous on the wing with his deadly crosses. Turning 37 tomorrow, Matlaba continues to show critics that age is just a number and perhaps luck might be on his side to make an impact on his birthday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

ALL LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2021/22 AmaZulu 0-0 Royal

2021/22 Royal 0-0 AmaZulu

2022/23 Royal 2-0 AmaZulu Sera, Machupu

2022/23 AmaZulu 1-1 Royal Ntuli; Gamildien

2023/24 Royal 0-0 AmaZulu

2023/24 AmaZulu 3-0 Royal Mbanjwa, Kwem (2)