The Citizen (KZN)

Usuthu let new recruit loose

THREAT: SLOVAKIAN STRIKER LACNY MAY BE A THORN IN SUNDOWNS’ SIDE

- Sibongisen­i Gumbi

AmaZulu FC once had an attacker so good that their opponents for this evening’s Absa Premiershi­p match, Mamelodi Sundowns soon swooped and took him away.

It is now history that Emiliano Tade has since retired after a not so successful stay at Masandawan­a.

But for Usuthu, life has also moved on and will now pin their hopes on their new striker, Milos Lacny (right) who the Saturday Citizen understand­s has got rave reviews from the technical team and players at his new club.

The 31-year-old Slovakian is likely to be partnered with Bongi Ntuli at Moses Mabhida Stadium this evening as the sides lock horns in a fight for three points. Kick-off is at 8.15pm.

Usuthu will hope that, like Tade, Lacny will hit the ground running and get them goals they need to move up the log standings.

“I cannot wait to go out on the pitch and show everybody what I am capable of.

I have been training with the team and familiaris­ed myself with the players so we have a bit of an understand­ing. I know we can improve in attack and I look forward to helping the team achieve their goals for the season,” the Slovakian told the club’s website in his first interview since being unveiled by the KwaZulu-Natal club.

Milos has some advantage in that he has a long-standing relationsh­ip with Usutu coach and fellow Slovakian countryman Josef Vukusic which should make his adaptation a little smoother.

“I have known Milos for a very long time. He is a good player technicall­y and has the quality we need going forward. He is a goal scorer and someone who can offer support to a lone striker, which is exactly what we currently need,” said Vukusic of his new acquisitio­n.

But if Lacny plays this evening, he could be at the receiving end of a baptism of fire with Sundowns looking to keep the gap between themselves and log leaders Kaizer Chiefs as small as possible.

Defeat for Sundowns could see Amakhosi stretch their lead to 10 points dependent on how they fare at SuperSport United in a game that starts at 6pm.

Usuthu sit precarious­ly placed in 12th spot with just 16 points after 15 games.

They should definitely put up a gallant fight especially at home.

 ?? Picture: Getty Images ?? MILOS LACNY.
Picture: Getty Images MILOS LACNY.

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