Durban giants holding out for Nyongo as Stellenbosch FC visit

AFTER a massive loss in their last match, AmaZulu are hopeful of having their captain and defender, Tapelo Nyongo, back in the side for the visit of Stellenbosch FC this weekend.

AmaZulu coach Joey Antipas described their 4-1 defeat at Jomo Cosmos as a “whipping” and looked forward to the return of Nyongo from injury to help stabilise the team and get them back on track to challenge for promotion.

It was an expensive defeat in that Usuthu also lost winger Augustine Ramphele in that game, after he was red carded in the first half. That was their second loss in successive outings after they were beaten 2-1 at home by FC Cape Town three weeks ago.

“We’re still looking at Tapelo our captain to see if he’ll be available. He’s showing signs that he could play, which will be good for us,” said the Zimbabwean tactician.

“It’s important, after two losses, that we come up with a positive result. We have to bounce back and appease the fans. We’re still in the race, and it’s early days,” the coach added.

The Durban giants are in third spot with 10 points from six matches, a point more than the Cape outfit.

Nyongo’s return would be a massive boost for Sunday’s clash, because AmaZulu could be found wanting in midfield where Ghanaian defensive shield Samuel Darpoh is doubtful.

The youngster suffered a head injury in the first loss but recovered to feature at Cosmos. There he sustained a knock to the same area and complained of dizzy spells.

Some consolation is that 22-year-old defender Alan Robertson made it on to the bench against Cosmos after he shook off knee and hamstring injuries.

His availability offers Antipas another option to cover the defensive midfield or central defensive areas.