AmaZulu may be eyeing a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, but their next match against Mamelodi Sundowns could see them aim for more than just continental aspirations — they want to outshine their neighbours, Golden Arrows, and make a statement in KwaZulu-Natal.
The stage is set for an epic clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday at 7.30pm, where Usuthu will face off against the league-leading Brazilians. This match comes just six days after Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by Golden Arrows in Durban, a result that raised some eyebrows.
For AmaZulu, it’s a chance to capitalise on any weakness Sundowns might have shown and deliver a knockout blow. A win against the mighty Brazilians would not only boost their standing in the league but also elevate their status as KZN's premier club, surpassing their local rivals in the process this season.
Ready to fight for 3 points in front of our home support! 💪💛 #Sundowns #BetwayPrem #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/8Pgp7aMnH0
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) March 10, 2025
AmaZulu’s form has been solid lately. They extended their unbeaten run to three matches in all competitions with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against SuperSport United last week. Before that, they had secured back-to-back victories.
Sitting in sixth place, a single point behind third-placed Stellenbosch, Usuthu know that a victory against Sundowns could push them into the top three, depending on other results.
The team will be bolstered by the return of key players Riaan Hanamub and Richard Ofori, both of whom were suspended. However, Augustine Mulenga remains unavailable, which could be a blow to their attacking options. Still, AmaZulu has plenty of talent to turn to.
Tshepang Moremi has been their spark this season. The winger has been in fine form, scoring and assisting in recent wins against Magesi FC and Cape Town City.
His pace and creativity could be key to breaking down Sundowns’ solid defense. Moremi’s performances make him one to watch, and if he finds his rhythm, he could pose a real threat to Sundowns.
🫵🏾🟢⚪️ YOU have voted for Rowan Human as your @mitsu_motors Ambitious Player of the Quarter 🪄#DriveYourAmbition #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether https://t.co/ucmk6QTfL4 pic.twitter.com/Y2TT8CUSBY
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) February 23, 2025
For Sundowns, the ever-dangerous Iqraam Rayners will be the one to watch. The forward has been in scintillating form, contributing four assists in each of his last four matches.
He scored the winning goal when these two sides last met in December, and with Rayners firing on all cylinders, Sundowns will be hoping he can repeat that performance in this high-stakes encounter.
Although AmaZulu have been known to have the odd upset in store against Sundowns from past seasons, that hasn’t materialised recently with the Brazilians winning five, drawing one and losing one their last seven head to head encounters.
The last time AmaZulu beat Sundowns was in 2021 when a Mulenga strike in the second half decided the match under covid conditions in Durban.
Usuthu coach Arthur Zwane will hope his players will arrive in Pretoria with the required belief to be able to become the third club to hand Sundowns defeat this season after Polokwane City and TS Galaxy.