Zwane Targets Mahala Threat Ahead Of Bay Nedbank Cup Clash

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has admitted his side must cut off the supply to in-form Richards Bay striker Lundi Mahala, who has become a major threat in recent matches.

Usuthu travel to the Umhlathuze Sports Ground on Friday for a KwaZulu-Natal derby in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 against the Natal Rich Boyz.

Mahala Emerging as Key Danger Man

Mahala fired Richards Bay into the last 16 after scoring a hat-trick in the round of 32, as Bay went on to eliminate Siwelele on penalties. The powerful forward is beginning to showcase his full potential.

The Eastern Cape-born striker, known for his ability to hold up play, was recently compared by Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane to former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Raphael Chukwu.

“Mahala gives them a different dimension — he is very aggressive and very comfortable on the ball. He can dribble past defenders,” said Zwane.

“He’s growing in stature. When you profile the individuals and the team collectively, he gives them a lot going forward.

“To make life difficult for them, we have to cut the supply. It is not easy to play against them at home — they are a team that plays with a lot of energy.

“They are very smart on the ball in terms of how they protect it, and they have highly tactically disciplined players. It will be a mountain to climb for us to reach the next round, but we are up to the task.

“We have to bring our A-game to progress.”

Tough Test at Umhlathuze

AmaZulu have already suffered defeat at Umhlathuze Sports Ground this season, losing 2-0 to Richards Bay in a league match in November.

Bay have also been difficult to break down at home, having lost just once in Richards Bay this season.

Zwane Explains Tactical Tweaks

Meanwhile, Zwane has subtly adjusted his system in recent matches. Defender Taariq Fielies has occasionally dropped into a deeper midfield role, overloading the number six position when Usuthu operate with three at the back.

Fielies has at times been deployed as a central midfielder and has looked comfortable in the role.

Zwane, though initially reluctant to elaborate, explained the reasoning behind the tactical flexibility.

“The formation we are playing — we are being profiled as well,” he said.

“All our players are being profiled, just as we profile opponents. In the modern game, as a coach or player, you must be able to operate in more than one position because in one match you can play three different systems.

“Why three systems? You don’t always have to make substitutions. The players just need to understand what to adjust in order to create a bit of confusion.

“The players are getting there, step by step.”