AmaZulu aim for much-needed win

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Nov 09, 2018. 08:12

AmaZulu will aim for a much-needed Absa Premiership win when they host Polokwane City at King Zwelithini Stadium on 11 November 2018, kick-off at 15h30.

AmaZulu suffered a fourth defeat of the league season when they were beaten 3-0 at Cape Town City on October 27. The result ensured the Durban side remained at the foot of the table.

Usuthu, however, are unbeaten at home this season. Their five matches as hosts have produced two wins and three draws, including a 1-1 against Orlando Pirates in their last home clash in early October.

Polokwane saw their unbeaten run ended at seven games when they suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Orlando Pirates on November 6. It was the Limpopo side’s first defeat since early August.

Rise and Shine have picked up seven points from four away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 1-0 win at Kaizer Chiefs on October 6.

In head-to-head stats, Polokwane and AmaZulu have met in six league matches since 2013/14. Usuthu have claimed two wins compared to one for Rise and Shine, while three matches have been drawn. The Durban side has recorded two wins and one defeat from three home matches in the rivalry.

Last season’s league meetings between the teams saw Polokwane claim four points. Rise and Shine won 3-2 in Durban in October 2017, while the return game in the Limpopo province in January 2018 ended in a goalless stalemate.

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 3-0 loss to CT City on October 27: Mbatha, Sikhakhane (Ncobeni 57’), Mabaliso, Ouro-Akoriko, M. Gumede, Darpoh (Karuru 46’), Vilakazi, van Heerden, Sithebe, Tade, Ntuli (Khenyeza 71’).

Polokwane’s line-up from their 2-1 loss to Pirates on November 6: Chigova, Manaka, Mbonani, Nkili, Hlongwane (Musona 71’), Ramagalela, Seabi, Maluleke, Phiri (Tlolane 78’), Mngomezulu, Booi (Wagaba 84’).