Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Anything other than defeat against Setif will do for Usuthu
AMAZULU are a completely different team in the DStv Premiership compared to their form in the CAF Champions League.
Usuthu look like a well oiled machine when they play in Africa’s premier club competition. They eliminated continental giants TP Mazembe in the qualification round to reach the group stage and should they defeat ES Setif in Algeria this evening, they will inch closer to qualifying for the knockout rounds of the continental competition.
On the other hand, they have been underwhelming in the Premiership, so much so that at the current rate they might struggle to finish in the top eight unless they undergo a late season turnaround.
Usuthu club chairman Sandile Zungu highlighted earlier in the season that he hoped for the club to finish in the top four as well as win one piece of silverware.
AmaZulu have won their last two Champions League games, which included a 1-0 win over Setif at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in their last outing.
Captain Makhehlene Makhaula expects Setif to be more improved now that they will be playing at home.
“They have a new coach and they will want revenge. We are going there with a full squad and a good mentality. The preparations have been good and everything is in order for us,” said Makhaula.
One AmaZulu player who has been disappointing of late is reigning player of the season Veli Mothwa. The 31-year-old’s positioning has been suspect lately, as seen when he gifted SuperSport United two goals in a league fixture which Usuthu lost 2-0 despite dominating possession last weekend.
Mothwa’s form means there are valid reasons for him to be dropped. However, considering that the Bafana Bafana back-up goalie played a big role in AmaZulu reaching the competition’s group stage with some heroic saves in the preliminary rounds, it’s likely that Benni McCarthy will retain faith in him.
AmaZulu are second in Group B with six points, three behind leaders Raja Casablanca. A win will give them a good chance of making the knockout rounds. A convincing defeat against Setif will likely see AmaZulu drop to third place.
Even a draw in North Africa could be worth celebrating for AmaZulu as it will add more pressure on Setif.