Tshepang Moremi Tshepang Moremi will aim to find the back of the net for AmaZulu against Golden Arrows. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane is looking at Saturday’s derby against Golden Arrows as a key opportunity to boost the club’s chances of securing a top-eight finish in the Premiership.
The KwaZulu-Natal rivals are set to meet at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale, with kick-off at 3pm.
With both teams still jostling for position in the league standings, Zwane believes this fixture carries added importance for his side.
“These games don’t come easy. For us, it’s more like a six-pointer,” Zwane said.
“We know the importance of getting maximum points. We’ve played more games than anyone, so we need points to secure a top-eight spot.”
AmaZulu head into the match under pressure following four defeats in their last five outings, a run of results that has seen them slip down the table.
Zwane admitted the team had not made the most of their previous chances to consolidate their position.
“I wouldn’t want to repeat myself in terms of where we are and where we’re supposed to be,” he said.
“We had ample time to consolidate and place ourselves in a better position in the league by now.
“However, dropping three games in a row has put us under pressure.
“We put ourselves in this position, and as we did in the past, we’re going to have to take ourselves out.”
Golden Arrows have proven to be a steady side at home, with three wins, five draws and just two defeats in their backyard this season.
While not dominant, their home form shows they’re a difficult side to beat on their day.
Despite that, Zwane remains focused on what AmaZulu need to do.
He’s aware that the conditions at the Mpumalanga Stadium may not be ideal after heaving rain in Durban in the lead-up to the game, but expects his team to adapt and aim for a positive result.
“The only opportunity we have is to make sure we go to Hammarsdale, regardless of whether the pitch will be playing or not, we have to go there and grind a result,” he added.
Injuries have affected AmaZulu’s squad depth in recent weeks, but Zwane is backing the rest of his group to step up if called upon.
“We have a few injuries, but I don’t think that will disrupt us too much,” he said.
“We have other players who have been waiting on the wings for an opportunity, and I think they’re equally good to help us get the result.”
The last encounter between the sides ended in a goalless draw, while Arrows have had the better record in recent meetings – winning three of the last five, compared to one victory for AmaZulu.
With just a few games left in the season, AmaZulu will be hoping for a consistent run of results, starting with Saturday’s derby, to finish the campaign on a stronger note.
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