Shitembi offers hope for AmaZulu

NAMIBIAN international Petrus Shitembi could offer a silver lining around AmaZulu’s scoring cloud after he scored one goal and created another to help his country into the second round of World Cup 2018 qualifying.

The First Division side’s attack has fired erratically this season, leaving them mid-table with seven goals from two wins, three draws and one loss. Four of those goals came in one match, highlighting the inconsistency of the Durban team’s scoring.

Shitembi has already found the target once for Usuthu, and his improved form at international level will offer some relief for the AmaZulu attack, which is without injured striker Linda Bhengu for this weekend’s trip to FC Cape Town.

Shitembi was expected back from Namibian duty yesterday after he scored in the Brave Warriors’ 1-1 draw at Gambia last week, and created the winner in a 2-1 home win this week to seal their place in the second round.

With Bhengu using a walking aidwhile he recovers from an ankle injury, and Zambian forward Bornwell Mwape missing chances, coach Steve Barker said the frontline needed change. Zambian winger Allan Mukuka could feature on Saturday, with veteran attacker Ayanda Dlamini also in the mix.

“It’s difficult without Bhengu, who is a huge talent. We’ve done well whenever he’s played. Now we need to try others with more attacking intent.

“It’s not about a lack of opportunities – the strikers need to take responsibility and score,” said Barker.

And to comply with the rule to field five under-23 players, the competition for Bhengu’s place will probably be between Menzi Ndwandwe and Darren Smith.

The other two local NFD outfits, Royal Eagles and Thanda Royal Zulu, meet in a provincial derby in uMlazi on Saturday.