AmaZulu eye Carling Knockout glory as Magesi look to defend crown

AmaZulu FC will look to draw inspiration from home support when they face defending champions Magesi FC in a Carling Knockout round of 16 clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday evening.

Usuthu, set for a 6pm kick-off, go into this tie on the back of a frustrating run. 

They let a lead slip in their 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, having also lost to TS Galaxy in the league on September 24.

Arthur Zwane’s men know this competition provides a chance to reset and pursue long-awaited silverware.

AmaZulu’s history with this cup runs deep. Their last triumph dates back to 1992 when, under the Coca Cola Cup banner, they lifted the trophy. 

Thirty-three years later, the KwaZulu-Natal giants are eager to end a drought that has burdened their proud support base.

Magesi, meanwhile, enter as the team to beat. John Maduka’s charges shocked South African football last season when they went all the way to lift their maiden top-flight trophy under the tutulage of Durbanite Clinton Larsen. 

Now, Dikwena Tsa Meetse are chasing history as they attempt to become the first team since Kaizer Chiefs in 2009 and 2010 to defend the crown.

Both sides, however, arrive without momentum. Magesi are winless in their last two games, having suffered defeats to Richards Bay and Durban City. 

AmaZulu too have struggled for consistency, and their squad will be tested with Siyanda Hlangabeza still suspended, while Ben Motshwari, Bongani Zungu and Elmo Kambindu remain sidelined by injury.

Despite his absence, Zungu urged his teammates to embrace the moment.

“I think it’s the hunger (that’s needed), this season they brought in young players with a lot of hunger to succeed. Competitions like this are a chance for the club to grab some silverware,” he said.

Maduka, meanwhile, stressed the importance of using this competition as a springboard.

“This is a cup game. It can give us confidence going into the league matches if we do well here. If we want to retain this trophy, we have to work hard, starting against AmaZulu. It is not going to be an easy road,” he said.

Two key men could decide the tie. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who has scored in back-to-back matches for AmaZulu to take his tally to four, is emerging as a reliable outlet. 

For Magesi, veteran goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze remains a pillar after his heroics in last year’s triumph.

With both clubs searching for belief, Sunday night in Durban promises drama, intensity and the kind of moments cup football was made for.