AmaZulu forward Etiosa Ighodaro will hope he can add to his three goals this season against Magesi today. Photo: BackpagePix
The stage is set for an important clash in the Premiership as AmaZulu travel to Limpopo to take on Magesi FC, the current bottom dwellers of the league table.
With kick-off scheduled for 3.30pm today at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Usuthu are determined to bounce back from their recent setbacks and restore their reputation.
After enduring a frustrating draw against Golden Arrows and suffering a disheartening loss to Sekhukhune United midweek, AmaZulu’s confidence has been shaken.
🏆🟢⚪️ Our #NedbankCup last 32 opponents are Mighty Eagles FC from the Eastern Cape province 🔜#ThatsPower #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/hCCW3oYtdL
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) January 10, 2025
Currently occupying 12th position in the standings, they will enter this match eager to regain momentum and forge their way back into the top eight conversation, a far cry from the struggles of just weeks ago.
Coaches Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi are optimistic that their squad can harness the lessons learned from previous matches to spark a revival.
With both teams set to meet for the first time in the top-flight, this fixture carries an air of unpredictability that could play into AmaZulu’s hands.
However, the match carries the weight of goal-scoring concerns for both sides. Usuthu have found the net just once in their last four outings, while Magesi have managed an equal tally during the same period.
This scarcity of goals sets a tense backdrop leading into the match, with both teams hungry for a breakthrough.
In Polokwane gearing up for the challenge of Magesi tomorrow at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium 🟢🔜#ThatsPower #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/aeYuDDdklO
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) January 10, 2025
Magesi coach Owen da Gama also faces pressure as he looks to galvanise his squad after just two weeks in charge.
‘Dikwena tsa Meetse’ stunned everyone with their triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout final in late November, but they have failed to win any of their six matches since – though they at least broke their losing run by holding TS Galaxy 0-0 last weekend.
They will see this match against AmaZulu as a critical opportunity to climb off the foot of the table, especially with rivals Royal AM and Richards Bay not playing this weekend.
In the words of Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, the team are resonating with the sentiment that challenges are part of the journey.
“It’s just a phase. You know in football, you’ve got the highs and the lows,” he stated, recalling their previous struggles when competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
“I feel like history is repeating itself.”
@magesifc_k3 on #TikTok 🐊⚽!#DikwenaTsaMeetse 🐊#TheBlueNation pic.twitter.com/y8AiO2mgO1
— Magesi Football Club (@Magesi_FC) January 9, 2025
Although highly unlikely, Chipezeze will hope to not have much to do on the day, with Usuthu’s attacking unit fluffing their lines in recent weeks.
Sundowns loanee Etiosa Ighodaro has emerged as AmaZulu’s only hope of finding the back of the net since the start of the season, with the likes of Junior Dion and newly signed Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu sent on loan this month.
The Nigerian striker will hope he can add to his three goals this season.
As AmaZulu and Magesi prepare for this encounter, both clubs find themselves at a crossroads, fighting for survival and pride.
The match promises to be not just a contest of skill and strategy, but a battle of wills as each side seek that elusive winning spark that could shift their fortunes in the league. | Independent Media Sport