Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Folz: Chiefs don’t have a better attack than AmaZulu
THE stage is set for the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final between AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs as the two sides prepare to meet at the Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
The two sides could not be separated in the first leg at FNB with Gabadinho Mhango’s away goal for AmaZulu cancelled out by Keagan Dolly to set up an enticing second meeting between the sides.
Amakhosi head into this match following a draw at home in the league.
Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane said that although his side has been guilty of missing gilt-edged chances in many matches, they still possess one of the best attacking arsenals in the league.
AmaZulu’s new man at the helm, Romain Folz, deemed Zwane's comments to be psychological manipulation in his own camp as he tries to fire up his boys for the match.
“I think he’s trying to play a mental card by saying that he’s trying to activate his boys, and that sort of comment has an impact on their confidence,” Folz observed.
“It’s a strategy that is used sometimes and it works on some occasions. It’s an opinion that he has and I’m not saying he’s right or wrong.
“Yes, they do have very good players offensively but we do as well and honestly I don’t think they have a better attack than us in terms of quality and the same goes for every line in terms of midfield and defence as well. So it will come down to whoever has a better strategy and which group of players execute it better.”
Usuthu are still sweating over the fitness of Lehlohonolo Majoro, who went off with a mild concussion against Orlando Pirates, but Folz received a major boost with the return of the unrelenting Gabadinho Mhango.
On his return from suspension, Mhango scored in their last match against Maritzburg United and is set to play an important role once more against Chiefs. Folz praised his marksman for his attitude since his arrival.
“I’m happy about his performance in the last game but I’m also happy about how he’s introduced himself back into the squad after being suspended,” he said.
“I believe he’s only gonna grow on what I expect from him as we progress but I’ve given him a very specific role in the squad and tactically he’s responding very well to it so I’m happy to have him back because I rely on him as much as I rely on everyone else.”