AmaZulu look for return to winning form

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jan 11, 2019. 13:14

AmaZulu will look for a return to winning form in the Absa Premiership when they host Highlands Park at King Zwelithini Stadium on 12 January 2019, kick-off at 20h15.

AmaZulu opened the year with a 3-2 loss away to Polokwane City on January 5. It was the Durban side’s second loss from their last three league outings, though they at least saw striker Bonginkosi Ntuli continue his fine form with a fourth goal in that same sequence.

Usuthu have claimed 16 points from eight home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-0 win over Golden Arrows in the Durban Derby just before the festive-season break.

Highlands extended their unbeaten run in the league to five matches as they held title-chasing Orlando Pirates to a 2-2 draw in a thrilling match at Makhulong Stadium on January 5.

The Lions of the North have claimed eight points from as many away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 2-1 win at Bloemfontein Celtic in mid-December.

In head-to-head stats, AmaZulu and Highlands have met in just one previous top-flight league match. That encounter took place earlier this season, with Usuthu claiming a 2-1 away win thanks to goals from Siyabonga Nomvethe and Emiliano Tade.

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 3-2 loss to Polokwane on January 5: Mbatha, P.Gumede, M.Gumede, Mabiliso, Nyongo, Morton (Cele 67'), Ncube (Ncobeni 85'), Vilakazi, Sithebe, Tade (Karuru 80'), Ntuli.

Highlands’ line-up from their 2-2 draw with Pirates on January 5: Heugh, Sibande, Williams, L. Mokoena, Msimango, Rae (Motsepe 82’), Mbatha (Haoseb 71’), Mahlangu, Shalulile, Ndoro, Mbunjana (Mogaila 55’).