AmaZulu FC will take on a struggling Cape Town City side in a DStv Premiership match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is at 5:30 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Usuthu breathed a sigh of relief when they defeated TS Galaxy 1-0 at home on August 30 as it was their first win of the season - snapping a seven-match winless run in the league.
The KwaZulu-Natal giants are occupying the 14th spot on the DStv Premiership standings - a point behind fourth-placed Orlando Pirates who have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, City's struggles continued as they registered their third defeat in a row in the league when they succumbed to a 2-0 loss to Pirates away on August 29.
The Citizens find themselves placed 13th on the DStv Premiership standings and they are also a point behind fourth-placed Pirates on a congested table.
TEAM NEWS
AmaZulu have no suspension concerns and they have been boosted by the availability of striker Sere Junior Dion who has recovered from an injury.
City, on the other hand, also do not have suspension worries, but Nathan Idumba Fasika is still working on his fitness as he makes his way back from a long-term injury.
WHAT WAS SAID?
AmaZulu defender Abbubaker Mobara
“It is Cape Town City. Even Sundowns are afraid of them, so obviously, for us, it is also a difficult match. It is a team that holds the ball. A team that creates opportunities,” Mobara said.
“It is a team that never gives up the play until the final whistle. I think if we just continue doing what the coach asks of us, stick to the game plan, then we stand a chance of getting the three points.”
Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler
"It [losing several games in a row] has happened in the past and we will recover because I have confidence and belief in the squad with what I've seen so far in terms of our performances. We will get the results,'' Tinkler said.
"Unlike you [journalists], I see things differently. I don't look at the results, I look at the performance and I don't think any team that we've played so far this season has run over us. I don't think any team has shown that they were way better than us.''
AmaZulu FC: PLAYERS TO WATCH
Riaan Hanamub: Lauded by some as the best left-back in the country, the Namibia international produced a Man of the Match performance against Galaxy and he could be key to an AmaZulu victory over City.
Augustine Chidi Kwem: The Nigerian centre forward was Usuthu's hero during the game against his former club, Galaxy as he netted the winning goal and he will be confident of inspiring coach Pablo Franco Martin's side to another win.
Cape Town City: PLAYERS TO WATCH
Taahir Goedeman: The promising attacker was on the score sheet the last time City won a match this season - a 1-0 win over Moroka Swallows last month - and he is likely to be the man to end the Citizens' winless run.
Khanyisa Mayo: Despite his struggles in front of goal this season, the current DStv Premiership Golden Boot award holder remains a key player at City and will be determined to open his scoring account for this term in Durban.
Head-to-Head
LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2018/19 CT City 3-0 AmaZulu Fielies, Mthembu, Nodada
2018/19 AmaZulu 1-0 CT City Nyongo
2019/20 AmaZulu 2-1 City Ntuli 2; Mbatha (og)
2019/20 City 2-2 AmaZulu Ralani, Putsche; Ntuli (2)
2020/21 AmaZulu 1-1 City Majoro (pen); Agyemang
2020/21 City 1-5 AmaZulu Lakay; Mulenga, Xoki (pen), Majoro, Memela (pen), Sithebe
2021/22 AmaZulu 2-0 City Mulenga 2
2021/22 City 0-0 AmaZulu
2022/23 AmaZulu 2-1 City Kwem, Mhango; Mayo
2022/23 City 2-2 AmaZulu Mayo, Gonzalez; Ntuli, Kwem
LEAGUE RECORD (since 2017/18)
Home
P W D L GF GA
AmaZulu 6 5 1 0 9 3
City 6 2 3 1 9 9
Away
P W D L GF GA
AmaZulu 6 1 3 2 9 9
City 6 0 1 5 3 9
Total
P W D L GF GA
AmaZulu 12 6 4 2 18 12
City 12 2 4 6 12 18
