DURBAN – AmaZulu and Mamelodi Sundowns will meet today at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi (3pm kickoff) looking to bounce back from their previous setbacks.
Before the international break, Sundowns crashed out of the MTN8 and the Caf Champions League in the space of five days.
On the other hand, Usuthu lost 3-0 at league leaders Bidvest Wits in their last match.
AmaZulu are unbeaten in uMlazi, and coach Cavin Johnson wants his troops to keep that record intact.
“Like we said, we want to make King Zwelithini Stadium a tough place to visit. We want to try and maintain that.
“We want to build on the foundation that we’ve laid. We started it last season, and we want to continue. We hope to keep a clean sheet,” Johnson said.
At home, Usuthu beat Baroka in their opening fixture and then swept aside Free State Stars.
In their three league outings, Sundowns drew against Kaizer Chiefs and Highlands Park at home, and beat Polokwane City away.
Usuthu will have to work diligently to keep their 100 percent record intact, said Johnson. “You never want someone to rebound against you.
“But when you look at the analysis of Sundowns, they have played quite a few different starting line-ups. They have been playing in different competitions. They were in Caf, MTN8 and the league.
“Sundowns (have) got the players. It is going to be a nice test against Sundowns.”
Masandawana walked away with maximum points at King Zwelithini last season and will be aiming for a repeat of similar results.
Expect an electric atmosphere today. “It is always good to play against Sundowns. You know when you play against Sundowns, you will play football.
“We also like to play football. It is two good footballing teams. Hopefully, we play good football and come out top,” Johnson elaborated.
🎥 Nhlanhla Vilakazi chats to us ahead of the big clash against @Masandawana.
Kick-off is at 3pm at the King Zwelithini Stadium. pic.twitter.com/JhtmWJSNgA
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) September 16, 2018
Well travelled defender Anele Ngcongca said that they are well prepared for their trip to KwaZulu-Natal.
They will stay in KZN for their encounter against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Wednesday at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.
“It is a tough week. We’ve faced this before. We are hoping to show character in the next two matches.
“We have to bounce back and try and defend our title. We know that it is not going to be an easy game. We need to double our efforts and work hard.
🚨LATE FITNESS TEST FOR ZWANE🚨
Themba Zwane will now also undergo a late fitness test, ahead of the Crucial Absa Premiership match against Amazulu. He joins attack partner Gaston Sirino who's also due for a late fitness test.
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 15, 2018
“We’ve prepared well for this game,” the former Bafana Bafana right back said.
“Coach showed us some of the videos of how Cavin Johnson has been doing with AmaZulu in the last few matches. I believe that we can go to Durban and get all the points.”
Today’s Fixtures (all 3pm)
Black Leopards v Bloemfontein Celtic, AmaZulu v Mamelodi Sundowns, Highlands Park v Golden Arrows.
@Minenhlecr7