Former Durban City man Simo Dladla will help profile opponents, says Arthur Zwane

Former Durban City Coach Simo Dladla’s presence on the AmaZulu technical team will be pivotal in profiling his former players for their clash with the boys in blue on Saturday.

It was all smiles and waves in front of the cameras on Thursday during the pre-game press conference at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, but make no mistake, both teams have a point to prove. 

For City, it's simple: The new kids on the block want to make a big splash. 

For AmaZulu, who are the bigger team in terms of resources and history in the PSL, it is a bit of a “dicey” game, especially given their shaky performances recently. They need a win to prove why they're the biggest and best team in KZN.

It’s David vs Goliath, only this time, the former has the momentum on his side. 

But a steady head at home has helped AmaZulu earn points and given Zwane some confidence going into Saturday’s Durban derby. 

Dladla’s knowledge of his former players may give them the added edge needed to beat City, who are currently soaring on a wave of confidence at fourth place in the league early in their breakout season. 

“I’m sure you’ve seen they (City) have different players now. Yes, there are some players who are still there and maybe their approach is slightly different so that alone tells you the team has changed,” Zwane told Independent Newspapers in an exclusive interview.

“Having Coach Simo, not only for this game, is a big time help with the players and more especially dealing with the young ones. Getting the information from the surroundings because he’s a KZN boy. 

“He knows how players behave with the ball, their strengths and weaknesses. So when it comes to profiling the players, I think that’s the advantage we have."

City, with an old master and most experienced active coach in the PSL Gavin Hunt at the helm, will no doubt stand their own.

They have in fact so far proved that they are not in it to add numbers even though only one win, separates them from AmaZulu who, though, have played a game less.

The battle of 'The King of KZN' looms large this season with Richards Bay and Lamontville Golden Arrows completing the mini coastal league.

Both Usuthu and City will be highing flying as they went to the Fifa break on a high after holding Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 and beating Magesi FC 3-1 respectively.