Considered one of the most anticipated ties of the recent round of DSTV Premiership fixtures, Sekhukhun United will host Amazulu at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening. As one of the main storylines ahead of the tie, Sekhukhun United coach Brandon Truter will face his former side, while Romain Folz will battle to get Usuthu back to winning ways.
Babina Nko’s form sheet does not make for good reading, especially with their results in their last five league games. With one win, two draws and two defeats during this period, Sekhukhun find themselves suspended in the relegation zone on the log.
Sekhukhune United vs Amazulu South African Premiership
The last time Sekhukhun claimed maximum points in the DSTV Premiership was on 4 October, where they recorded a 2-0 win over in-form Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Watch Sekhukhune United vs Amazulu Live Free
Speaking about facing his former team, Truter noted that he is focused solely on the task at hand as he looks to the new year on a positive note.
“For us it’s about us,” Truter said. “For us, it’s a home game, for us it’s about winning it, setting a trend and going into the new year with three points.
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“I’m not really focused on Amazulu at the moment, they have a new coach after I left, so there are new strategies, new strategies.
“We will analyze the last few games, we will analyze the MTN8 final and see what we can come up with but for us, at the moment it is about us.”
As for Amazulu, Falz’s side are currently on a two-match losing streak in all competitions. In the MTN8 final, AmaZulu lost 1–0 against Orlando Pirates on 5 November, while Mamelodi Sundowns won 3–0 against Usuthu in the final of the Curling Black Label Cup a week later.
At a Glance Sekhukhune United vs Amazulu
In the DStv Premiership, AmaZulu have picked up one loss, four draws and one win in their last five games. Folz and company recorded a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC on 30 October, their most recent win in the league.
Despite their inconsistent run, AmaZulu have maintained a respectable position on the log and currently sit seventh after 13 matches played.
Reflecting on AmaZulu’s loss in the CBL Cup final, Folz touched on his side’s lack of fitness and his priority is to get the club back on track.
“I felt like most of our players weren’t physically ready,” Falz said.
“When you face a Sundowns team that is good on the ball, you have to make sure you play well and move the ball very quickly.
“When I came here, my priority was to stop the losing streak at the club and try to convince everyone that they can be strong as a unit.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sekhukhune United
Linda Montambo: Arguably Sekhukhun’s best player this season, if not a midfielder. Although he primarily keeps things ticking in the midfield, Mmentambo often chips in with goal attempts and contributions.
Victor Letswalo: After a slow start to the 2022-23 season, Letswalo improved his form as the campaign progressed. Although goals have been hard to come by, Letsolo’s speed, strength and willingness to run for the team are some of his best attributes.
AmaZulu
Mhango Gabadinho: With four goals to his name, Mhango is currently AmaZulu’s top scorer this season. Also, the Malawian is the fourth highest goalscorer in the league and will undoubtedly keep the Sekhukhun defense on high alert.
Keagan Buchanan: Buchanan has been a star for Usuthu this season and has rarely put a foot wrong when off the pitch this season. The midfielder’s ability to read the game, coupled with his fine technical skills will make him an asset against teams who can sit back in their own half.
Prediction Sekhukhune United vs Amazulu South African Premiership
We Say Sekhukhune United 1-2 AmaZulu
