As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, the PSL will host an exciting match at Moses Mabhida this afternoon, where AmaZulu will face reigning champion Mamelodi Sundowns.
AmaZulu has seen an improvement in all areas of their game since appointing Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi as co-coaches after a poor start to the season. The Durban-based outfit, under Spanish mentor Pablo Franco at the time, began the season with four defeats which ultimately ended Franco’s tenure with the club.
The duo of Zwane and Vilakazi injected some confidence and belief back into the squad as they tackled Soweto giants Orlando Pirates in their first game in charge. Despite their underwhelming run prior to facing the Sea Robbers, they put in a shift and showed quality even though they lost 2-1.
Since the defeat to Pirates, AmaZulu has gone on to win three matches and lost one in their previous four league outings. This run includes a narrow 1-0 defeat away to a resurgent TS Galaxy but victories over Chippa United including city rivals Richards Bay and Royal AM have got Usuthu back on track.
It has been more than a week since AmaZulu took to the field which has given Zwane and Vilakazi ample time to work on their tactical approach, and strategies, and to figure out who is their best XI. Today will be a real test of their body of work as they face a quality Mamelodi Sundowns team.
The Brazilians have dominated this fixture and are largely the favourites to win but having home-ground advantage and a positive few weeks, Usuthu could surprise their visitors and perhaps come away with a more favourable result considering Sundowns have gone through a coaching change of their own after Manqoba Mngqithi received his marching orders.
Former Esperance Tunis manager Miguel Cardoso has been appointed as the new head coach of the 14-time league champions Mamelodi Sundowns and has had a solid start in his new role. The Portuguese managed an impressive victory over Raja Club Athletic in his first game in charge which secured their first win in their CAF group stage campaign.
He followed that up with another hard-fought victory over Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch, which has opened a three-point gap between them in the first place and league contenders Orlando Pirates in second. That said, a win today will see the Brazilians extend their lead at the top of the table by six points and remain unbeaten across their last five games in all competitions.
Cardoso has inherited a squad full of world-class players, which is every manager’s dream. Sundowns have a clear identity and structure in their play, which has seen them win the last seven league titles in a row. As the man in charge, Cardoso has an obligation to maintain or improve this.
The attacking threat of Sundowns is their biggest strength and has been the hallmark of their success over the years. Iqraam Rayners who leads the league on five goals has been their talisman this season and shows no signs of slowing down. Brazilian superstar Lucas Ribeiro has been exceptional since his arrival and has been a key figure in the attack for Sundowns.
His ability to link up play, create scoring opportunities, and get on the score sheet as a second striker is a massive bonus that has seen Sundowns benefit. With four goals and two assists, AmaZulu will need to keep a close eye on Ribeiro and limit the Brazilian from creating or taking control of the game.
Fans can expect a match filled with drama, excitement, and goals, as both teams enter this fixture brimming with confidence. The outcome will depend on which team can convert their chances in the final third and which one remains resilient defensively. Ultimately, one side will emerge victorious by the end of the 90 minutes.
Written by Marc Strydom.