AmaZulu FC are gearing up to revive their fortunes and reclaim their place at the top half of league standings as they prepare to face in-form Magesi FC, following a challenging period marked by two consecutive defeats.
Usuthu will welcome the relegation strugglers at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday at 8pm, looking for their first win in three games.
Recent performances, which saw AmaZulu eliminated from the prestigious Nedbank Cup and suffer a heavy loss at the hands of Sekhukhune United in midweek, have seen the KwaZulu-Natal-based outfit question their ability to contend for a top eight place.
The defeat against Babina Noko in particular, was a significant blow. Not only did it leave AmaZulu with a dented morale, but also saw them drop from sixth to eighth spot on the Betway Premiership standings.
🎫🟢⚪️ @Magesi_FC visits Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow, February 22nd. Get your tickets now at @TicketProSA outlets 👉🏾 https://t.co/cz6UYBEZKB 📲#BetwayPrem #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/kBGmNQfzNP
The players have faced a wave of criticism from loyal supporters and analysts, who have expressed concerns over the defensive strategies, in particular the goalkeeping position.
As club captain Veli Mothwa watches on from the bench, current number one Richard Ofori has made high profile blunders that have led to Usuthu conceding seven goals in their last four games.
In a season where momentum is vital with clubs placed in close proximity in the standings, AmaZulu’s current form calls for swift action and in particular against a Magesi side riding back-to-back wins.
Co-coaches Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi are tasked with rallying their squad to regain winning mentality having won three out of four games before this bad patch.
The upcoming match presents an opportunity for AmaZulu to turn the page and showcase the talent and resilience that has characterised their squad in previous weeks.
All eyes will be on the likes of Rowan Human, Tshepang Moremi and December arrival Bongani Zungu, who have been brilliant for the club recently.
Human in particular has recorded eight goal involvements this season and has been the club’s main source of firepower.
Man of the match: Thabang Sibanyoni ⚽🐊#DikwenaTsaMeetse 🐊#TheBlueNation#BetwayPrem#LimpopoDerby pic.twitter.com/JvAiWPDekf
— Magesi Football Club (@Magesi_FC) February 18, 2025
Dikwena Tsa Meetse in 15th place, on the other hand, will arrive in Durban high on morale, having edged closer to survival with wins against Cape Town City and Polokwane City.
Magesi are now just a point behind 14th placed Marumo Gallants and two off Richards Bay in 13th.
Head coach of the Polokwane-based outfit will hope he can keep his side’s momentum going on enemy territory.
The visitors will also have revenge on their mind having lost to AmaZulu in the home leg of this encounter this season.
AmaZulu’s next fixture is not merely a game; it is a chance to heal the wounds inflicted by recent performances and simmer down any anxiety.
A resounding victory could serve as the catalyst they desperately need to reignite their season and ease the growing pressure to perform.