Zwane And Kanu Given A Chance To Try Again

It is now or never for AmaZulu as they pivotally host Chippa United in the Betway Premiership encounter at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night looking for the first points this season.  

The Durban side currently sit rock bottom in the Betway Premiership, having failed to collect a single point in their first four games of the season. 

Usuthu traveled to Orlando last Friday, looking to register their first victory against Orlando Pirates at Esigodini in 16 years, but were unlucky as they fell short in a 2-1 defeat on the day.

Reflecting on their clash against the Buccaneers, the former Kaizer Chiefs coach alluded to having adequately executed their game plan in the early stages of the game but eventually outsmarted as the game progressed. 

“From the previous game we played against Pirates, when you look at the game, we gave Pirates a little respect and we gave them time and space on the ball. If you check the game thoroughly, for 25 minutes they didn’t have answers and they had to come up with the trick where they told their keeper to sit down so they can rearrange their tactics,” reflected Zwane. 

Despite the starkly contrasting form between the two sides, the Chilly Boys, who are third in the table, will be weary of their record against Usuthu, with the Gqeberha side having last found victory over Usuthu in the 2022/23 season.

10111 acknowledged Chippa’s newly found form, and their compelling football display but stressed the need for a positive result as they aim to register their first victory of the season. 

“Going into this game, you know we are trying to lift the morale and we want to motivate the guys. We watched Chippa play, a very aggressive team, a very good team. Coach Kopo, coach Thabo September are doing a great job so it’s not gonna be a walk in the park.”

In terms of approach, the new gaffer reflected on their defensive mistakes against Pirates, when his troops found themselves exposed to a hostile attacking force, fortunate to concede just two goals with multiple clear-cut chances missed. 

“They are coming to us, so we’re gonna have to find or get a better approach as to how we’re going to exploit the space and also take our chances. Also defend better because, I think Orlando Pirates, we were left exposed in both wingbacks,” explained Zwane. 

In condensing his team’s intentions, 10111 insisted, “We are gonna have to dig deep to grind the results as we always say, what is important for us now is to win this game.”