Posted on May 04, 2012 08:56
AmaZulu captain and goalkeeper, Tapuwa Kapini has affirmed Usuthu will head to Peter Mokaba Stadium with a mission to abolish records against Supersport United in order to advance into the final of the Nedbank Cup on Sunday.
“I think the mood in the camp is good, it is as high as how we have been training this few days.
"This is one game we want to win, because it would be nice to be remembered for what we did for AmaZulu after our playing days,” said the Zimbabwean international.
‘Camposs’ told AmaZulufc.net during the club’s Media Open that his teammates are oozing with confidence ahead of the match but will approach the match very much aware of United’s last four match win record at the 2010 World Cup stadium.
The R6m prize money up for grabs for the winner in the marathon cup competition is both teams’ last chance of winning silverware as Gavin Hunt’s side looks to have surrendered their hopes of winning the league title.
Head coach, Roger Palmgren is confident his side can survive their next hurdle despite possibly missing two of his regular troops in midfielders Ramson Zhuwawo and Bongani Mbele due to injuries.
“They are one of the strongest teams in South Africa but we too obviously are capable of beating them.
"We’ve done well lately and played them twice this year already, they beat us once at home and we also beat them away from home,” said Palmgren.
If ever cup pedigree were to come into play pacey striker, Ayanda Dlamini says the 80 year old club won’t struggle as they know where to get things right, having had the privilege of contributing in AmaZulu’s run past the Nedbank Cup semis as a novice in the 2009/10 season.
“Since the start of the season we’ve been focusing on trying to win the cup. It was very difficult when we had to face Sundowns who were very good in the semis the year we reached the final, but we fought very well and the mood was very high leading up to that, and I think we can do it again now against Supersport,” said Dlamini.
The KZN club has made six final appearances in the competition but are yet to lift the trophy while United have won it twice before in 1999 (Bob Save Super Bowl) and 2005 (Absa Cup). AmaZulu’s most recent history in the competition saw them lose against Mpumalanga Black Aces at home 3-1 margin in the quarter-final last season.
United have failed to advance past the last 32 stage on two consecutive seasons but their four match winning streak advantage at Peter Mokaba Stadium despite the venue being 275km away from their home base poses a big threat towards AmaZulu booking their seat in the final which will be played at Orlando Stadium on 26 May 2012.