AmaZulu have defensive issues for Downs clash
AMAZULU could find themselves hamstrung in the goalkeeping department after regular shot-stopper Siyabonga Mbatha was ruled out for tonight’s showdown against Absa Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in uMlazi.
Mbatha could be out for up to a fortnight after he suffered a hamstring strain in last weekend’s goalless draw at Free State Stars. Boalefa Pule will likely step up from the bench and Energy Murambadoro will be the deputy for this 6pm kick-off at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Mbatha has been ever present in the Usuthu goal since he took over in the second match of the year, only making way in the Nedbank Cup. In eight league games AmaZulu have lost twice, and kept five clean sheets, indicating the growth in defensive stability with the goalie who joined this season from Richards Bay FC following a career predominantly in the First Division.
Pule won’t be unfamiliar with the missiles that the likes of Sundowns attackers Percy Tau and Jeremy Brockie will fire at him. Pule played in the first round 2-1 win against Tau, and before he joined AmaZulu this term on loan from SuperSport United he was a teammate of Kiwi international Brockie.
The Brazilians are unlikely to slip to a league double defeat at this critical stage of the competition. They come to the coast unbeaten in five games – three draws and two victories – and with coach Pitso Mosimane focused primarily on managing the run-in to the title.
As long as they are atop the standings, Sundowns will be content to play risk-free football. And with the Soweto derby tomorrow, even a point will satisfy Sundowns, because either of the Joburg giants, or both of them, will drop points.
For AmaZulu and coach Cavin Johnson a point will also be welcomed, in a season where consolidating their top flight status is priority. In the first round, Usuthu got their goals from super-subs Siyabonga Nomvethe and Mabhuti Khenyeza. Tonight the veteran duo are expected to start.
Defensively the Durban outfit are bolstered by the return of midfield anchor Michael Morton from a three-game suspension, while fellow midfielder Butholezwe Ncube sits out his second game.
The Tshwane versus KwaZulu-Natal battle extends to tomorrow night when Maritzburg United visit SuperSport United.
The Team of Choice are well placed to register a first win over SuperSport in four meetings this campaign. Maritzburg lost in the league and were dumped out of the MTN8 semi-finals in home and away clashes against SuperSport.
SuperSport have won once in their last eight league assignments, whereas Maritzburg will seek a third win in succession to consolidate their top eight position.
The other local side, Golden Arrows, will face Polokwane City on Sunday.