Arrows aim to rule KZN
LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows have vowed to cement their status as the kings of KwaZulu-Natal football at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday by beating AmaZulu in a much-anticipated derby.
Abafana Bes’thende shot down Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg in the season’s opening fixture, while Usuthu drew 0-0 with the Team of Choice in Umlazi.
Defender Siyanda Zwane aims to register another derby win away from home on Saturday (3.30pm).
“A lot is at stake. It is all about the bragging rights. We have beaten Maritzburg United. We also want to beat AmaZulu too in order to be the kings of KZN. It is important that we win on Saturday. This is a sixpointer for us. We are very much ready for this game,” Zwane said.
Arrows will attempt to end Usuthu’s unbeaten streak in Umlazi this season.
“The plan is to win on Saturday. Coach Cavin Johnson was busy stressing about how well they have done at King Zwelithini Stadium. Yes, they are unbeaten this season at King Zwelithini and we know that it is going to be a very difficult game. We’ve been able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. We know where we will hurt them,” he added.
Abafana Bes’thende have amassed points in difficult places such as Cape Town (against Cape Town City), Free State (against Free State Stars), Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit (against SuperSport United), Orlando Stadium (against Orlando Pirates) and Bidvest Stadium (against Bidvest Wits) and that’s why Zwane is confident that they can beat Usuthu.
“When we are playing away there’s less pressure for us than when we are playing at home. We’ve been good travellers,” Zwane explained.
AmaZulu are 10th on the log and Arrows are 11th. Only three points separates these two teams.
Arrows are also aware of the threat posed by Emiliano Tade who was chosen as the Player of the Month for November/December following his sensational performances.
“We’ve watched his movements on and off the ball. He is very good. The fact that he has won the Player of the Month, that says a lot about him as a player. He is high on confidence and is playing well. He has come out of his shell and is showing everyone what he is capable of. We are aware of his threat and we have studied him very well. As defenders, it is our job to make sure that we keep him quiet,” Zwane concluded.