AmaZulu, Stars set for King Zwelithini battle

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Aug 16, 2018. 10:28

AmaZulu and Free State Stars will battle for three Absa Premiership points when they meet at the King Zwelithini Stadium on 19 August 2018, kick-off at 15h00 CAT.

AmaZulu come into the match on the back of a 1-0 loss suffered away to SuperSport United on August 8 in their most recent league outing.

Usuthu will be looking to repeat the form they showed on the opening weekend of the month when a goal from Siyethemba Sithebe saw them defeat Baroka FC 1-0 at home.

Stars showed a return to form in their last league game when goals from Harris Tchilimbou and Goodman Dlamini secured a 2-1 home win over Maritzburg United on August 8.

Ea Lla Koto’s only away game saw them handed a heavy 3-0 loss by Bidvest Wits in Johannesburg on the opening weekend of August.

In head-to-head terms, AmaZulu and Stars have clashed in 49 league matches since 1986. The Free State side has claimed 19 wins compared to 17 for the Durban club, while 13 matches have been drawn. Ea Lla Koto have won 13 of their 25 home league matches in the rivalry, suffering six defeats in the process.

Last season AmaZulu took four points off Stars, winning 1-0 at home in the first half of the campaign before playing out a goalless draw in the return game in the Free State. Usuthu are unbeaten in their last six league matches against Ea Lla Koto.

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 1-0 loss to SuperSport: Sikhakhane, Van Heerden, Slawula, M. Gumede, Morton (Khenyeza 57'), Vilakazi, Lumkwana (Hlalele 64'), Sithebe, Ramphela, Cele (Nomvethe 80').

Stars’ line-up from their 2-1 win over Maritzburg: Sangare, Mobbie, Keita, Masehe, Tema, Jappie (Jantjie 80’), Maruping, Makhaula, Dlamini, Tchilimbou (Mahamutsa 85’), Rodgers (Moseamedi 63’).