Usuthu seek revenge and first win over Stellies in three years

AmaZulu will be determined to end their three-year winless run against Stellenbosch when the two sides meet at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Wednesday evening.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7-30pm, with Usuthu looking to make home advantage count against a Stellies side still reeling from their MTN8 heartbreak.

AmaZulu’s last victory over Stellenbosch came courtesy of a Larry Bwalya strike at home back in 2022. 

Since then, the KwaZulu-Natal outfit have endured a barren run of four defeats and three draws in seven meetings, including their quarterfinal cup defeat just weeks ago.

Defender Taariq Fielies, who joined Usuthu after a long stint at Cape Town City, underlined the need to protect home turf while acknowledging the urgency of breaking the hoodoo.

“No one comes alive at our home ground so it’s not just about Stellies but about everyone that comes here, Stellies just happen to be next on the list,” said the 33-year-old.

“We fell a bit short in the cup game and we felt we should’ve gotten more from the game but we didn’t get, and perhaps we want some kind of revenge.”

AmaZulu’s struggles against Stellenbosch have often been tied to lapses in concentration late in games.

Before the international break, Usuthu conceded crucial goals against Sekhukhune United and Magesi, dropping four points in matches they felt were within their control.

For Fielies, the break offered a timely opportunity to reset and work on those shortcomings.

“Yeah it gave us time to try and work on the things we haven’t been doing well, so we want to manage games better and get clean sheets, so it was a good working group,” he explained.

The emphasis will be on tightening their defensive unit while maintaining attacking sharpness. 

With home support behind them in Kwamashu, AmaZulu know this fixture offers a chance to both repair their league momentum and finally end their Stellenbosch struggles.

For Stellenbosch, however, the trip represents a chance to extend their dominance over Usuthu. 

Despite their recent cup disappointment, Stellies have often found joy against the Durban-based side, exploiting defensive gaps and capitalising on moments of hesitation.

Wednesday’s contest carries more than just three points. For AmaZulu, it is about rewriting recent history and proving that the Princess Magogo Stadium remains a fortress. 

For Stellies, it is about maintaining their upper hand and rediscovering rhythm. Something has to give under the floodlights in Kwamashu.