Ekstein Urges AmaZulu To Regroup Against Magesi

AmaZulu midfielder Hendrick Ekstein has called for calm and renewed focus as Usuthu prepare to host Magesi in a crucial Betway Premiership clash at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Durban-based outfit heads into the encounter on the back of three consecutive league defeats, having suffered disappointing losses to Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Stellenbosch last month. 

Usuthu’s poor run of form has put pressure on the squad, especially considering the competitive nature of the Betway Premiership this season.

Despite the setbacks, Usuthu remain in the top eight, sitting in sixth place with 30 points after 19 matches played, keeping them firmly in contention for a strong finish if they can quickly rediscover their winning touch. 

The last time Usuthu celebrated a league victory was in January when they defeated Marumo Gallants away from home.

Speaking ahead of the midweek fixture, Ekstein admitted that the recent run of results has been disappointing but stressed the importance of regrouping as a team.

“Obviously, for us it’s not nice to lose three games in a row when we’re talking about the league,” he said.

“So, the only thing that we have to do is to regroup and rebuild ourselves, then focus on this game against Magesi. It is not going to be an easy game, but we’ll try our level best to win this game against Magesi.”

This will mark the second meeting between the two sides in the league this season. Their previous encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Seshego Stadium in Limpopo, a result that highlighted the challenge Magesi can pose.

The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder reflected on that match and what needs to change this time around.

“When we played against them away, we knew it was not going to be an easy game, and the game ended 1-1,” he added.

“The only thing that we need to do now, as we are playing at home, is to collect the maximum points. It is not going to be an easy game as I said, but we’ll try our level best to get the three points.”

With home advantage on their side at Princess Magogo Stadium, Usuthu will be eager to halt their losing streak and strengthen their position in the top half of the table.