AmaZulu look to arrest slide in form

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Apr 05, 2019. 14:07

AmaZulu will look to arrest a slide in their Absa Premiership form when they host Chippa United at King Zwelithini Stadium on 6 April 2019, kick-off at 20h15.

AmaZulu suffered a third defeat from their last four league matches when they were beaten 4-1 at Free State Stars on March 16. It was the Durban side’s 10th loss of the 2018/19 campaign.

Usuthu have claimed 23 points from 12 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-0 win over Bidvest Wits in early March.

Chippa have gone four league matches without a win after they were held 1-1 at home by Highlands Park on March 17. Their goal was netted by Lerato Manzini, who has scored three times in their last four matches.

The Chilli Boys have claimed just eight points from 12 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 3-2 loss at Black Leopards in early March.

In head-to-head stats, AmaZulu and Chippa have met in seven league matches since 2012/13. The Chilli Boys have claimed four wins compared to one for Usuthu, while two games have been drawn. The Durban side has lost all three of their previous home matches in the rivalry.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in November 2018, AmaZulu claimed a 1-0 away win thanks to a goal from Butholezwe Ncube.

AmaZulu’s line-up from their 4-1 loss to Stars on March 16: Mbatha, Sikhakhane, Mabaliso, Ouro-Akoriko, P.Gumede, Sithebe, Ncube, Vilakazi, Chawaphiwa (Nomvethe 78'), Karuru (Ntsundwana 60'), Ntuli (Cele 74').

Chippa’s line-up from their 1-1 draw with Highlands on March 17: Mzimela, Macheke, Nsabiyumva, Shitolo, Tlolane, Komane, Malepe, Malama (Mayambela 31’), Mbenyane (Gamildien 75’), Rakhale, L. Manzini (R. Manzini 72’).