Advertisement

Pirates seek redemption against AmaZulu

football19 August 2019 07:56| © Backpage TXT
Share

AmaZulu FC are set to take on Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership match at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30 pm CAT.

Usuthu recorded their second successive league defeat when they succumbed to a 1-0 away loss to Polokwane City over a week ago.

As a result, they are 16th on the league standings without a single point, having played two matches in the 2019-20 campaign.

However, AmaZulu's attacking midfielder Siyethembe Sithebe remains confident that they can secure their first win of the season against Pirates.

"We all know that Orlando Pirates are a team that likes to run, they move a lot, we will have to catch them on the counter-attack and exploit the spaces between the midfielders," Sithebe said.

"I’d say that we still have time to catch up and gain points, we have to keep working hard to win the upcoming games because the league is very unpredictable."

Meanwhile, Pirates registered their third consecutive defeat across all competitions when they lost 1-0 to Highlands Park at home in the 2019 MTN8 quarterfinal match over the weekend.

Bucs' 3-0 defeat to SuperSport United away last week left them ninth on the league standings with three points from two matches in the new season.

Pirates' caretaker coach Rulani Mokwena, who has replaced Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic, says he will work on the players' confidence ahead of their clash with AmaZulu.

"At this moment we’ve had to do a lot of analysis, use video to improve the team and cover some of the cracks in the interim," Mokwena said.

"But keep on working to try and improve; work on the players’ confidence because the most important thing is to bounce back and help these players to continue to believe in themselves and believe in the way we have been playing."

AmaZulu: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Siyethembe Sithebe: The midfield maestro remains Usuthu's key attacking midfielder under Cavin Johnson. Sithebe will be looking to inspire his side to victory over a struggling Pirates side.

Lehlohonolo Majoro: The veteran striker is still searching for his first goal since rejoining AmaZulu. Majoro will be keen to haunt his former side, Pirates and help Usuthu return to winning ways.

Orlando Pirates: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Happy Jele: The inspirational captain remains an influential player for Pirates. Jele will be eager to play an instrumental role in helping the Buccaneers overcome Usuthu.

Thembinkosi Lorch: The Pirates attacker is still one of the best players in the country. Lorch will be hoping to open his scoring account for the season against AmaZulu.

Head-to-Head

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2012/13 Pirates 0-0 AmaZulu

2012/13 AmaZulu 1-1 Pirates G. Dlamini; Mbesuma

2013/14 Pirates 0-1 AmaZulu Ndulula

2013/14 AmaZulu 1-1 Pirates Nyadombo; Gcaba

2014/15 Pirates 1-1 AmaZulu Matlaba; Ndulula (pen)

2014/15 AmaZulu 1-2 Pirates Mabizela; Majoro, Erasmus

2017/18 Pirates 1-1 AmaZulu Nyauza; Nyauza (og)

2017/18 AmaZulu 1-2 Pirates Khenyeza; Nyatama, Qalinge

2018/19 AmaZulu 1-1 Pirates Tade; Mulenga

2018/19 Pirates 4-1 AmaZulu Mahachi, Memela, Shonga, Motshwari; Ncobeni

LEAGUE RECORD (since 1985)

Home

P W D L GF GA

AmaZulu 29 6 14 9 28 33

Pirates 28 16 8 4 50 21

Away

P W D L GF GA

AmaZulu 28 4 8 16 21 50

Pirates 29 9 14 6 33 28

Total

P W D L GF GA

AmaZulu 57 10 22 25 49 83

Pirates 57 25 22 10 83 49

Advertisement