The Betway Premiership takes centre stage this Friday with an electrifying showdown between AmaZulu FC and Richards Bay FC in a highly-anticipated KwaZulu-Natal derby at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
Derby Day
AmaZulu, coached by former Kaizer Chiefs boss Arthur Zwane, have had an upturn in form, before their current winless streak in the South African topflight – spanning four matches. As the league approaches its final stages, the stakes in this encounter couldn’t be higher, with both teams seeking to secure crucial points for survival.
Usuthu find themselves in a challenging position, facing mounting pressure to rediscover their winning ways. Their recent 2-1 loss to Chippa United on 29 March compounded their woes, marked their third straight league loss.
Despite bolstering one of the most competitive squads in the country, Usuthu have struggled to convert opportunities into victories. That being said, the hosts hold firm in seventh place, sitting four points behind sixth-placed Polokwane City and three ahead of 10th-placed Golden Arrows.
Richards Bay, led by Ronnie Gabriel, are also struggling to find consistency. Their 3-1 defeat to Polokwane City on 30 March was their second loss in three games, leaving the Natal Rich Boys in 13th spot, just two points above the relegation zone and three behind rivals Golden Arrows.
What they Said
Following their most recent defeat, Arthur Zwane acknowledged the tight margins in the Betway Premiership. “We were supposed to beat Chippa to consolidate our position,” he said after the loss. “The past four games, the goals we have conceded are identical. We could have done better. Now we’re putting ourselves under pressure because we gave Chippa a lifeline to get closer to us.
“The next game, if you don’t win, we’re out of the top eight. Our target is position four, but those chances are fading because we keep hurting ourselves.”
On the other hand, Ronnie Gabriel remains defiant in the face of adversity. “We cannot be naive and run away from it,” he said. “We are fighting that battle for survival and we understand the dynamics that come into play for us to get out of it. We are up for the challenge and we will regroup and get better against AmaZulu and get the result at home on Friday.”
How to watch
The match is scheduled to kick-off at 19:30 on Friday, 04 April and will be carried live on the public broadcaster’s radio stations for commentary. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport channel 202 and can also be streamed on Showmax.
King Zwelithini Stadium
The 10 000 seater stadium will host the clash between AmaZulu and Richards Bay. Located in Umlazi, south-west of Durban, the stadium is a renowned sports and entertainment venue that has become an integral part of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s rich history and culture.
The stadium underwent significant renovations in 2010, costing approximately R84 million, to meet FIFA standards for the World Cup and served as a training facility.
Betting odds (supplied by Hollywoodbets)
To win (90 min)
AmaZulu 12/10 | Draw 16/10 | Richards Bay 11/4
I think Ronnie Gabriel & Co will fancy their chances against an inconsistent AmaZulu outfit.
Back Richards Bay on the double chance and BTTS (Yes) at 9/4!