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On song AmaZulu livewire striker Ayanda Dlamini's early strike set 'Usuthu' on the way to a memorable victory in the KwaZulu Natal derby tonight.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) rookie scored within the first minute of the game and dismantled Arrows' game plan from the start.
Arrows responded and levelled matters at the quarter hour mark through a header by Mzuvukile Tom from a free kick. The 2009/10 MTN 8 winners were however, once again on the receiving end as Marc van Heerden sealed victory for AmaZulu in the 79th minute.
The early goal inspired Neil Tovey's charges to go for the kill as they put more pressure on Arrows when a cross by skipper Pere Ariweriyai was closely sent over the bar by Dlamini, whose performances this season have lead to many calling on the national selectors to give him a look in ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
A workman-like tackle by Ariweriyai on Bafana Bafana striker Richard Henyekane earned the neighbours a free kick, which was met in the centre of the box by Tom, leaving 'Usuthu' reeling at giving away their lead within such a short period.
However, all was not lost as the benefits of the training sessions during the January break came to the fore with the 'Pride of Durban' pressing hard for a second goal.
The high possession tactics nearly paid off when a 28th minute direct free kick by van Heerden was headed goal-bound by Kasonga Busaka but Arrows stopper Helton Da Rocha was on hand to tip it over the bar.
Three minutes later, Litha Ngxabi came close to punishing the Brazilian 'keeper but his header was narrowly off target.
The second half saw Arrows put more pressure on AmaZulu, and in the process opened up gaps in their midfield and back line.
The match swung from end to end as both sides searched relentlessly for that match winner, and indeed it came in a glorious form from van Heerden in the 77th minute.
A foul on the diminutive Sibusiso Hadebe by Siyabonga Sangweni lead to a free kick which was drilled past Da Rocha by van Heerden from at least 35 metres, a stroke of pure class which sealed the vital three points.
Arrows expectedly released a barrage of pressure as the curtain closed down, but the higher degree of match fitness, teamwork, agility, tactical awareness of Usuthu presided over Arrows' efforts.
Young last line of defence Zwelisha 'Kati' Mzimela stood out in the dying with an outstanding save from Henyekane's shot in the 84th minute.
'Usuthu' walked away with the bragging rights to the city and province, repaying an MTN 8 semi-final loss against 'Abafana be sithende' earlier in the season.
Tovey and his team will hope to maintain tonight's spirit as they entertain Mpumalanga Black Aces at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, February 7 (Kick-Off: 15.30)
* Photo courtesy of Steve @ BackpageSport
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