Posted on April 26, 2012 11:30
AmaZulu are geared up and ready to attempt to add another victory to their four home wins this weekend against a determined Platinum Stars team at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The Rustenberg based side brings to Durban an impressive away record having won four of their last matches away from home that have seen them stay at position 12th with 20 points and will pose a big threat according to defender Marc van Heerden.
“It’s always going to be a physical game with Botes upfront for them but for us we just have to take out their weaknesses and focus on our strengths,” said the defender.
Van Heerden also hinted he will be looking to turn on the charm on Saturday night with the hope of capitalizing on Usuthu’s new run of form.
“Things are looking good for the team, there’s certainly a lot more happiness now – we’re playing with a lot more love, not only for ourselves but for the badge,” the 24 year old said.
Platinum Stars lost 1-0 against Free State Stars in their last league match at home while AmaZulu beat Black Leopards 4-1 away from home. This hasn’t stopped Coach Roger Palmgren from maintaining his sober ‘match by match’ mantra, in playing down plaudits for the positive results gathered so far.
The Swede said at a press conference gathering: “We’re very grateful for what we have achieved so far but we just have to remain humble and focused, see our strikers going forward a lot more, and respecting the opponents. That’s what we have to do and we want to achieve more.
“Of course we’re doing our own homework in terms of defensively, how we’re moving and how Platinum Stars are playing,” the coach said.
Since 2003/04 Usuthu have reigned supreme over the Bafokeng royal club by winning seven times compared to Dikwena’s four wins in 13 matches. There have been two draws.
The first round saw AmaZulu win 1-0 in Rustenberg through Goodman Dlamini’s goal. Midfielder Stanley Kgatla and striker Josef Lekata are the only missing troops from the last match due to suspension.
Match Details
AmaZulu vs Platinum Stars
Date: 28 April 2012, Saturday
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Kickoff: 20h15.