KZN derby to set the pace for Usuthu and Arrows
THE KWAZULU-NATAL (KZN) derby between AmaZulu and Lamontville Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Saturday at 3.30pm will present an opportunity for both sides to get back to winning ways and run away from the relegation zone.
Usuthu suffered a huge set-back this past weekend as they were defeated 3-1 defeat by Black Leopards in Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo in an Absa Premiership showdown.
AmaZulu lost their four game unbeaten record against Leopards and will be eyeing to keep their good record at home intact.
The likes of Baroka FC, Free State Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic have all bite the dust in Umlazi while Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City and Maritzburg United had to settle for a point. AmaZulu are a difficult costumer to defeat at home. They are now 11th on the log with 13 points after 14 games. Usuthu are two points away from the bottom of the table, Baroka FC side. A victory will give them some breathing space heading in to Christmas break.
Usuthu will be looking to replicate the performance which saw them shooting down Abafana Bes’thende 2-1 at Umlazi in the second round last season.
Only three points separates Usuthu and Arrows.
If AmaZulu win, they will be levelled with Arrows. But on the other hand, Abafana Bes’thende, have been the kings of draws away from home.
They have shared the spoils against the likes Cape Town City, Orlando Pirates, Free State Stars, SuperSport United and Bidvest Wits while beating Maritzburg United away from home. Baroka and Highlands Park are the only sides to beat Arrows away from home.
Abafana Bes’thende played out to a 2-2 stalemate against Wits away from home in their previous encounters. They will be looking to get back to winning ways in the derby and get away as far as possible from the relegation zone.
If they beat Usuthu they will stretch the gap between themselves and relegations candidates. They are now six points clear of Baroka. Another draw away from home at a very difficult place to visit against AmaZulu on Sunday won’t be bad for Arrows. So, there’s a lot at stake in the KZN derby.