Sowetan

Win injects Usuthu with renewed hope

Club now sets sight on improving log standing

- By Mark Gleeson

AmaZulu’s convincing 2-0 victory over Cape Town City on Tuesday night not only ended a five-game winless streak but also injected muchneeded confidence back into a squad still reeling from having points docked.

The edict from Fifa that AmaZulu have six points subtracted from their league tally for ignoring the order of world football’s governing body to honour a former player’s contract has cast a dark cloud over the club and left them bottom of the standings. They have much to do this season if they are to avoid being sucked into a relegation maelstrom.

The Telkom Knockout could prove a welcome diversion with the 2-0 win over Cape Town City at the King Zwelithini Stadium providing a tonic.

“You should see how the dressing room is buzzing right now‚” said coach Cavin Johnson‚ not long after the conclusion of the first-round tie. AmaZulu now turn their focus to improving their league position and meet City again on Saturday night – but this time away from home. “The players are excited about that now‚ this win has been so important for us‚” added Johnson.

“It will be a lot different because we’ll play a City team with players coming back from suspension [Taariq Fielies and Roland Putsche] and I’m sure they will have a different approach. It means we are going to have to come up with a different plan.” Johnson was also pleased with the Telkom Knockout quarterfin­al draw where they will host Orlando Pirates. “We’ll have a packed King Zwelithini Stadium. Pirates have been here already this season and we showed [them that] we could play against them.”

 ?? / ANTONIO MUCHAVE ?? Coach Cavin Johnson.
/ ANTONIO MUCHAVE Coach Cavin Johnson.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa