AmaZulu target league response against Orlando Pirates after MTN8 heartbreak

AmaZulu will look to recover from their dramatic MTN8 quarter-final defeat when they face Orlando Pirates in the league at Kings Park Stadium on Wednesday.

Arthur Zwane’s side were beaten 4-3 by Sekhukhune United after extra time at Chatsworth Stadium over the weekend, despite fighting back from a two-goal deficit to level the match. The result has left the AmaZulu coach demanding an immediate response against an Orlando Pirates team that also advanced in the MTN8 on Saturday.

Pirates defeated Durban City 2-1 at home in their quarter-final, meaning AmaZulu must quickly regroup before meeting one of the competition’s other successful sides.

“Now we have Pirates, we’ve got to redeem ourselves. It’s not going to be an easy one, especially after they won their game [2-1 in the MTN8 quarterfinals at home to Durban City on Saturday]. We have to make sure that we recover properly … the players must drink a lot of water to make sure they recover well,” Zwane said.

The AmaZulu manager was particularly critical of his team’s defensive display in the second half against Sekhukhune United. Babina Noko scored twice in quick succession to move 3-1 ahead, before AmaZulu, also known as Usuthu, restored parity and appeared to have forced the contest towards a penalty shootout.

“Second half, I’ve never seen such horrible defending from my side,” Zwane lamented .

Zwane singled out Sekhukhune United’s third goal as an example of the mistakes that cost his team. Ellis Ramala was allowed to cut through the AmaZulu defence and finish, despite being surrounded by three defenders.

“When we had three other defenders on him [Ramala], I told them he is left-footed, force him to go to his right, don’t allow him to go inside,” Zwane said.

AmaZulu had hoped to reach the MTN8 semi-finals after recovering from a difficult spell in the match. Thandolwethu Ngwena scored twice for the Durban side, while Taariq Fielies was also on the scoresheet.

However, Tshepo Mokoane and Given Khupe also found the net for Sekhukhune United, before Vuyo Letlapa struck early in extra time. His goal arrived when the tie appeared to be heading for penalties and ultimately settled the contest in favour of Babina Noko.

Zwane’s immediate focus is now on restoring his players physically and mentally before Wednesday’s league fixture. AmaZulu will need to improve their defending against Orlando Pirates if they are to turn the disappointment of their MTN8 exit into a positive result.

The accompanying story audio was generated using artificial intelligence.