AmaZulu coach’s juggling act …

AFTER two wins, one with 10 men and the other with a second-string team, it appears the AmaZulu players took heed of their coach’s tongue-lashing.

One more win today at Santos, followed by another against Milano United next weekend and AmaZulu could finish the year in the First Division play-off positions.

A few stern words from Zimbabwean tactician Joey Antipas triggered a turnaround with 10 men when Usuthu rallied from 2-1 to beat neighbours Royal Eagles 3-2 last weekend.

An inexperienced line-up then knocked out Santos in a cup eliminator for the Nedbank Cup in mid-week.

With several regulars expected back in the side, the Durban travellers should register another win against Santos.

“I said prior to the Royal Eagles game that AmaZulu is a big brand, so you’ve got to fight for the badge and the guys needed to step up to that level, which they did,” said Antipas.

“Against Santos we’ll have to try and juggle around the squad and give a run to other boys who have not been playing regularly,” said Antipas.

That is partly due to the suspension of veteran striker Mabhuti Khenyeza and injuries to defender Tapelo Nyongo, midfielder Butholezwe Ncube and winger Zola Jingxi.

However, Ghanaian midfielder Samuel Darpoh returns from suspension to solidify the midfield.

The main action will be in the Midlands where Royal Eagles will attempt to bounce back from that league hiccup against AmaZulu when Jomo Cosmos come to Harry Gwala Stadium.

Eagles edged Milano United in the mid-week cup qualifier to book their spot in the Nedbank Cup Last 32.

Besides the glory of reaching the main stage of the country’s premier knock-out tournament, Eagles had striker Katlego Mphela back in scoring mode.

He played for the first time this season when Kosta Papic’s men sneaked a 3-2 win against Milano.

The former Bafana Bafana striker’s experience, coupled with the exuberance of leading scorer Sedwyn George’s 13 goals, should be enough to bank full points against Cosmos.

The other big game is also in KwaZulu-Natal. Rookies Real Kings host third-placed Stellenbosch FC in Clermont. Kings are winless in four league and cup assignments, which should make them easy pickings for the ambitious Cape outfit.

Stellenbosch have bolstered their technical department with the addition of Steve Barker, the former AmaZulu and University of Pretoria coach.

He teams up with Sammy Troughton again, having previously worked together to get Tuks promoted to the elite division.

If Kings shake off their poor form and catch the visitors by surprise, it will boost their own survival mission and afford Eagles and Thanda Royal Zulu some breathing space.

Thanda, who were eliminated from the Nedbank Cup qualifiers by Stellenbosch midweek, host struggling Cape Town All Stars in Richards Bay tomorrow.