AmaZulu is out to dethrone and dispatch Orlando Pirates out of the Nedbank Cup tournament when the two sides meet in the Last Eight this weekend.
AmaZulu are chasing a spot in the semi-finals of the cup competition and are aware the biggest hurdle they face is to overcome the Soweto giants. Pirates are the defending champions and they have vowed not to let go of their title easily. The KZN-based side, AmaZulu is also looking to fight and end their unwanted run against Jose Riveiro’s troops.
AmaZulu vs Pirates Match Details:
- Date: Saturday 14, 2024
- Time: 6:00 PM SAST
- Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
AmaZulu: Usuthu, under coach Pablo Franco Martin, are also in high spirits coming from a win in the DStv Premiership last weekend. AmaZulu beat Cape Town City on Sunday last weekend and will march to this encounter with their tails up. Having failed to beat Pirates since the 2013/14 season, the Durban-based outfit is under pressure to overturn their fortunes.
Pirates: Looking at the Buccaneers camp, there is a positive vibe after securing a massive 7-1 victory over Golden Arrows last Saturday. Pirates are determined to fight for their Ke Yona trophy and travelling to Durban means it’s business as usual for the Soweto giants. At the same time, Riveiro wants to become a cup specialist and successfully defend the trophy after successfully retaining their MTN8 title.
AmaZulu vs Pirates Key Battles To Watch:
Tshepang Moremi vs Tapelo Xoki: As one of the mainstays in the Usuthu starting line-up, Moremi will be a star to watch when they face Pirates. The youngster is also looking to showcase his talent and possibly scoop a lucrative deal away from Durban. Battling it out with the likes of Xoki and company, Moremi carries the hopes of the hosts. Meanwhile, Xoki, a former AmaZulu skipper will also target a clean sheet and lead the side to glory.
Taariq Fielies vs Tshegofatso Mabasa: The lanky defender, Fielies is a versatile and seasoned defender when it comes to big matches. The 31-year-old central defender will be the man tasked with closing and cutting all the attacks launched by Pirates. Fielies will also be looking to shut down Mabasa who netted a hattrick last weekend against Arrows. Mabasa’s emergence and rich vein of form will come in handy for Pirates as they target the gold medal.
AmaZulu vs Pirates Head to Head:
The two giants have crossed swords over 22 matches. Pirates enjoy an added advantage as they boast 10 wins compared to one of Usuthu. Meanwhile, 11 games have been drawn.
AmaZulu vs Pirates Coaches:
Pablo Franco Martin: Martin is in his debut season in the South African top flight and hopes to guide the club to glory. The Spanish mentor is set to face his fellow countryman, Riveiro this weekend and the match will produce thrilling action.
Jose Riveiro: An experienced cup winner with the 1995 African champions, Riveiro wants to write his history at Pirates. Boasting three gold medals in his cabinet since his arrival in 2021, Riveiro now knows how to win titles in the PSL.
AmaZulu vs Pirates What The Teams Said:
“We need to change the run against Pirates because AmaZulu has not beaten them,” Usuthu boss Franco says about Pirates.
“And I cannot think of a better scenario than this time to change that. The performance of the club is much better than the previous seasons in terms of results. In terms of playing style, I think we are creating something unique. So it is going to be tough. But I’m happy that we are playing at home…we are serving a trip, which is important at this stage of the season. The good thing is we are playing in this quarterfinal for the first time in 12 years.”
“AmaZulu were not in the quarterfinal for several years and now we are looking forward to the game. Because I’m sure we are going to have our chances. Now we will try to qualify [for the semi-final], and we will try to play our best football.”
AmaZulu vs Pirates Fan Sentiments:
The fans can expect an action-packed cup match and the fact there must be a winner means both outfits will go out to attack. While the fans feel Pirates are favourites to win this one, Usuthu can upset them as they lack consistency.
AmaZulu vs Pirates Prediction:
Judging the previous results and cup pedigree, Pirates are definite favourites but that doesn’t count in a cup football match. It’s all about who wants it the most and should Usuthu display hunger, the game could go either way.
AmaZulu vs Pirates What’s Next:
After this eagerly anticipated cup match this weekend, the two PSL giants will lock horns in round number two. They will renew rivalries in Soweto in the league on April 20.
Related: Tuks vs Sundowns Preview: Tuks To End Downs’ Quadruple Hopes?
