AmaZulu star Ethan Brooks relishes Orlando Pirates clash with top-eight spot on the line

AmaZulu midfielder Ethan Brooks believes there’s no better way to finish the season than with a test against Orlando Pirates – a “perfect” opponent, he says, with a top-eight place hanging in the balance.

Usuthu welcome the Buccaneers to the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off) in their final Premiership clash of the 2024/25 campaign knowing a single point will be enough to secure their ticket to next season’s MTN8 competition.

The Durban-based outfit haven’t been in league action since May 2, when they drew 1-1 against Polokwane City. 

Since then, they’ve anxiously watched other results unfold, trying to maintain their grip on sixth position.

Arthur Zwane’s side now sit under pressure, with the likes of Kaizer Chiefs still in the mix to potentially leapfrog them.

But now, their fate is firmly in their own hands.

For Brooks, who has been one of the most consistent performers under Zwane, there’s no better fixture to showcase their worth than against a club of Pirates’ stature.

“I wouldn’t say it’s the worst game (to play). In fact, it’s probably the best game to show where we would like to end (at the end of the season),” Brooks said yesterday.

The 24-year-old has been rejuvenated since Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi took charge in October, and he’s remained a key figure even after Vilakazi’s resignation in February.

AmaZulu will face a Pirates side that, despite reaching the CAF Champions League semi-finals and securing a second-place league finish, have looked lethargic in recent domestic outings following the departure of long-time coach Jose Riveiro.

Still, Brooks knows the Soweto giants can never be underestimated.

“I don’t know whether they’ll put in maximum effort, but that’s why it’s better to just focus on ourselves.”

With nearly three weeks between matches, Usuthu might have fresher legs than their visitors, though Brooks insists that desire and not rest will determine the outcome.

“I wouldn’t say we’ve been resting, because we’ve been training. Yes, they’ve been playing more than us and maybe yes, that could be advantageous, but I think whoever wants it most will probably matter more on the day.”

A positive result on Saturday would seal a place in the MTN8 – a major milestone for a side that had to dig deep following a poor start to the season under Pablo Franco Martin.

Brooks, who has featured prominently since Zwane’s arrival, also threw his support behind the coach after AmaZulu confirmed he will continue in his role next season.

“I’m happy and excited going into the new season with him. We’ve obviously had chats with him this season, so I’m really excited about going into the new season with him,” Brooks said.

Usuthu now stand on the brink of a strong finish, but the challenge remains a big one. 

Pirates may not have much left to fight for, but as Brooks puts it – it’s all about what the KZN outfit want more.

And with MTN8 qualification up for grabs, they’ll need to show it.