Wayde Jooste: We will not fear Stellenbosch FC

AmaZulu FC defender Wayde Jooste is aware of Stellenbosch and the danger they pose as they prepare to face them in their opening Carling Knockout Cup match but is adamant that they will take them head-on.

Usuthu is set to clash with the defending champions on Friday 18 October at King Zwelithini Stadium with kick-off set for 19:00.

The Durban-based club is no stranger to drawing tough opponents in the first round of this competition, last year they were pitted against Kaizer Chiefs and managed to edge them 1-0 to book a spot in the quarterfinals.

Jooste acknowledged that Stellies have been enjoying a good run of form given their achievements last season, which include a third-place league finish and lifting their first cup since gaining promotion, and that they should be given the respect that they deserve.

“No, obviously, you know they have earned that respect from what they’ve done, what they have done last season, how they started the season, we have to respect them but it does not mean that we have to fear them,” said Jooste.

AmaZulu had an impressive run in the last edition of the competition which included a 1-0 win against Kaizer Chiefs in the opening fixture, a 3-0 victory against their provincial rivals Golden Arrows in the quarterfinals and fell short 3-2 to finalists TS Galaxy, crashing out in the semifinals.

“We’re going to go out and do our best to win on the day. If we’re not afraid of our opponents, then there’s no reason for us to not be out on the field,” the 33-year-old concluded.

Stellenbosch has got the better of Usuthu twice in their last three meetings and their most recent tie ended in a goalless draw. 

This will be Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi’s first game at the helm following the recent departure of Pablo Franco Martin. It will be interesting to see if the pair can begin their journey by knocking out the reigning Carling Knockout champions.

Written by Siphesihle Soni