AmaZulu, Arrows renew Durban rivalry

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Dec 21, 2018. 08:54

Durban clubs AmaZulu and Golden Arrows will renew their rivalry in the Absa Premiership when they meet at King Zwelithini Stadium on 22 December 2018, kick-off at 15h30 CAT.

AmaZulu come into the game on the back of a 3-1 loss away to AmaZulu on December 15. The result broke a three-game winning streak for the team in green and white, which has turned their season around in spectacular fashion in recent weeks.

Usuthu have claimed 13 points from seven home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 3-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic on December 12.

Arrows racked up a seventh draw of the season when they held Bidvest Wits 2-2 away from home on December 12. The Durban side came from two goals down to salvage a share of the spoils.

Abafana Bes’thende have claimed eight points from seven away matches this season. Their only win on the road came at KwaZulu-Natal rivals Maritzburg United way back in early August.

In head-to-head stats, Arrows and AmaZulu have met in 22 league matches since 2001/02. Usuthu have claimed 10 wins compared to nine for Abafana Bes’thende, while three matches have been drawn. The team clad in green and white has recorded five wins, three draws and three defeats from 10 matches as hosts in this rivalry.

Last season each side claimed a victory in their home game: Arrows triumphed 4-1 at Princess Magogo Stadium in September 2017, while AmaZulu claimed revenge with a 2-1 win at King Zwelithini Stadium in February 2018.

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 3-1 loss to Leopards on December 15: Mbatha, M.Gumede (Vilakazi 59'), P.Gumede, Van Heerden (Slawula 30'), Nyongo, Ncube, Morton, Darpoh, Karuru, Tade, Khenyeza (Ntuli 66').

Arrows’ line-up from their 2-2 draw with Wits on December 12: Mbaeva, Sibisi, Mngwengwe, Mathiane, Lunga, Molefe (Cele 77’), Phiri, Conco (Jooste 46’), Parusnath, Mutizwa (Sibiya 72’), Lamola.