AmaZulu Aim To End 17-Year Drought Against Pirates In Durban
AmaZulu will be hoping to finally end a long-standing hoodoo when they host Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night, as Usuthu look to beat the Soweto giants in Durban for the first time in 17 years.
AmaZulu have not defeated Pirates at home since 28 October 2009, when Ayanda Dlamini scored the winning goal at Chatsworth Stadium.
In that memorable encounter, Usuthu took the lead in the 26th minute through a Bradley Ritson header from a Marc van Heerden cross. Six minutes before half-time, Katlego Mashego equalised for Rudi Krol’s Pirates.
However, Dlamini ensured AmaZulu claimed all three points in the 77th minute, capitalising on a pass from Litha Ngxabi to beat goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs.
AmaZulu starting line-up (4-4-2) – 28 October 2009
Goalkeeper: Nick Gindre
Defenders: Pere Ariweriyai, Simangaliso Biyela, Siboniso Gumede, Marc van Heerden, Tsweu Mokoro
Midfielders: Thamsanqa Sangweni, Ntokozo Sikhakhane, Sibusiso Hadebe
Forwards: Bradley Ritson, Ayanda Dlamini
Coach: Neil Tovey
Orlando Pirates starting line-up (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Moeneeb Josephs
Defenders: Happy Jele, Benson Mhlongo, Rooi Mahamutsa, Lucky Lekgwathi, Lucas Thwala
Midfielders: Andile Jali
Forwards: Bennett Chenene, Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Ndumiso Mabena, Katlego Mashego
Coach: Rudi Krol
Since that win at Chatsworth Stadium, Pirates have visited Durban 16 times without suffering a defeat, recording six victories, including a 4–0 win in May 2023.
As a result, Pirates have never lost to AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium since the venue opened for domestic football following the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
AmaZulu’s last victory over Pirates came in 2013, when Bongani Ndulula scored the decisive goal for Craig Rosslee’s side after dispossessing Oupa Manyisa at FNB Stadium. That match was played there due to Orlando Stadium being unavailable at the time.
Pirates now travel to Durban to face an AmaZulu side that remains unbeaten at Moses Mabhida Stadium this season. Usuthu’s only home defeat came against Polokwane City, but that match was played at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu. Head coach Arthur Zwane later lamented that loss, saying his team had handed Rise and Shine the victory “on a silver platter”.
Pirates, meanwhile, have enjoyed success at Moses Mabhida this season, winning all three matches played at the venue. They beat Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semi-final, defeated Durban City in a league fixture, and went on to lift the Carling Cup in December.
Tuesday’s clash carries significant implications for the Betway Premiership title race. A win for either side would see them go top of the table, while a draw would still be enough to move Pirates one point ahead of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates and Sundowns are currently level on 32 points, although Sundowns have played one more match (15). AmaZulu are close behind in fourth place after securing their third consecutive league victory with a win over Marumo Gallants over the weekend.
Usuthu sit on 30 points after 16 matches and will need all three points to move to the summit — a result that would also end their 17-year wait for a home win over Pirates.
Despite the high stakes, Zwane insists his side will remain grounded.
“What’s important now is to keep our feet on the ground and remain humble, so we can keep giving our best and be rewarded one game at a time,” he said.
History favours Orlando Pirates in this fixture. In 76 meetings since the formation of the National Soccer League in 1985, Pirates have recorded 37 victories, compared to 11 for AmaZulu, with 28 matches ending in draws.
