AmaZulu target Orlando Pirates response after MTN8 defeat

AmaZulu will look to recover from their dramatic MTN8 quarter-final loss 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, surrendering a lead before fighting back to level and force the match beyond 90 minutes.

The AmaZulu coach is now demanding an immediate response against Orlando Pirates, who also advanced in the MTN8 after beating Durban City 2-1 at home on Saturday.

“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.

Zwane’s comments came after a match in which AmaZulu’s defending came under heavy pressure, particularly during the second half. Sekhukhune United scored twice in quick succession to move 3-1 ahead, although AmaZulu responded to draw level before the decisive moment in extra time.

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

The coach was especially unhappy with the way Ellis Ramala was allowed to advance through the AmaZulu defence and score Sekhukhune United’s third goal.

Zwane said his players had been given clear instructions about how to deal with the attacker, but failed to carry them out.

“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.

Vuyo Letlapa then struck early in extra time, ending AmaZulu’s hopes of taking the tie to a penalty shootout. The goal came after the match had appeared likely to be decided from the spot.

Thandolwethu Ngwena scored twice for AmaZulu, while Taariq Fielies was also on target for the Durban club. Tshepo Mokoane and Given Khupe scored Sekhukhune United’s other goals.

The result left Zwane focused on recovery as AmaZulu prepare for another demanding fixture only days after their cup disappointment. Their next opponents, Orlando Pirates, will arrive with confidence after their own MTN8 quarter-final victory over Durban City.

AmaZulu’s meeting with Orlando Pirates at Kings Park Stadium therefore offers Zwane’s players an immediate opportunity to respond to the defensive display he criticised and move on from the extra-time defeat by Sekhukhune United.

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Source: Sowetan