'Usuthu back to winning ways'
AmaZulu FC have overcome the recent MTN first leg semi-final loss to neighbours Golden Arrows with a 1-0 win over Platinum Stars on Wednesday evening.
The gruelling encounter was played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in the North West province.
Marc van Heerden made his return to the 'Usuthu' squad whilst Mbulelo Mabizela made his first appeareance for Stars after finalising his contract with the club this week.
Both sides 'shadow-boxed' each other in the first stanza with very little threatening action from neither side, bar a 25 metre screamer from Litha Ngxabi in the 39th minute, which was saved by 'The Tycoons' 'keeper Wayne Sandilands.
The home side made tactical changes late in the first half with the introduction of Thabo Monareng for Jabu Mahlangu (45:01) and Stanley Kgatla for Godfrey Sapula (45:02).
This move did not pay dividends as AmaZulu came alive in the second half with van Heerden's darting runs on the left wing troubling Stars. The pressure finally paid off in the 60th minute when Ngaxabi scored from within close range.
Sandilands was made to sweat throughout and was called on to make yet another save from the reliable Bafo Biyela in the 63rd minute.
The Royal Bafokeng-owned side made yet another change with the replacement of Alton Meiring by Colombian Luis Renteria - but again this move by the Stars technical team failed to bear results where it matters most, on the score sheet.
Wary of the imminent realityy of a loss at home, Stars piled on the pressure with a series of Dillion Sheppered-inspired moves. The former Mamelodi Sundowns left winger drilled in a thunderous goal-bound shot from a freekick in the 89th minute, but agile Argentine stopper Nick Gindre was on hand to parry the attempt away for a corner.
The resultant kick proved to be 'the last kick of a dying horse' for Stars as the referee blew the final whistle soon thereafter.
Club PR and Communications Manager Philani Mabaso welcomed this result.
"It was a tough match but we managed to come away with the vital three points," he told amazulufc.net immediately after the match.
"They were always going to be a difficult side to come up against after their recent acquisitions, and appointemnt of a quality coach in Steve Khomphela."
Mabaso singled out the vital contribution made by van Heereden.
"He was obviuosly refreshed after missing out on our last two matches but played a vital role tonight."
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