The highly anticipated KwaZulu-Natal derby between AmaZulu and Golden Arrows is set to ignite the Betway Premiership at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (15:30). 

As the first match of 2025, both sides will be eager to set the tone for the year ahead while battling for provincial bragging rights.

Arrows, currently in eighth place, are navigating turbulent waters that led to the recent departure of head coach Mabhuti Khenyeza. 

Despite flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, inconsistency has plagued Abafana Bes’thende, and there will be pressure to stabilize their campaign.

AmaZulu, on the other hand, is a team reborn under the joint leadership of Vusumuzi Vilakazi and Arthur Zwane. Usuthu has shown signs of resurgence, and a victory in this derby would not only mark a statement of intent but could see them leapfrog their provincial rivals on the table.

Speaking ahead of the clash, an AmaZulu defender Wayde Jooste, who has been impressive, emphasized the importance of preparation and focus.

”I think it’s going to be a tough game, it’s a derby. We always want to win derbies, we also want to carry on with the momentum that we’ve had in the last few games. So, we want to go out to win the game like we go out to win every other game but this one more so because it comes with bragging rights,” said Jooste, who previously played for Arrows.

The defender highlighted the meticulous preparation led by the coaching staff, underscoring the importance of analyzing both their strengths and their opponent’s weaknesses.

”We prepare for this game like we prepare for every other game, we do our analysis with the coaches. We don’t take any game lightly, we know what their strong points are, we know what their weak points are, and we know what we have to do on Saturday to get the three points.”

He also called on fans to rally behind the team. ”We encourage all the fans to come out and support us because we know the 12th man makes a big difference on match day,” he added.

AmaZulu enters the derby riding a wave of optimism. The Vilakazi-Zwane partnership has instilled a renewed sense of belief within the squad, and their recent performances reflect a team growing in confidence.

For Arrows, the derby represents more than just three points—it’s an opportunity to silence critics, rebuild morale, and prove they remain a force in KZN football despite recent challenges.

With both sides aware of the stakes and the added pressure of setting the tone for the new year, fans can expect an electric atmosphere at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.