DURBAN - AmaZulu are targeting a hat-trick of home victories in their bid to challenge for promotion from the National First Division to the ABSA Premiership.
A rare full round of mid-week matches in the promotion league kicks off on Wednesday afternoon with AmaZulu hosting Mthatha Bucks in the first of three successive games they will play in the province.
After the visit of Bucks, Usuthu travel to Richards Bay for a weekend date with Thanda Royal Zulu, followed by another derby clash next week against Real Kings.
Three wins in KwaZulu-Natal, or at least extending their four-match unbeaten run over this period, will add more fuel to AmaZulu’s tank as they plot a return to the top flight.
AmaZulu resumed league combat with a draw at University of Pretoria last weekend which kept them in fourth place, one position below the play-offs.
For today’s challenge, they are bolstered by the
return of three attackers from
injury - veteran forward Siyabonga Nomvethe, junior international striker Dylan
Stoffels and midfielder Sbusiso Magaqa.
In addition they have two Zimbabwean internationals waiting to make their debut. Central defender Steven Makatuka was an unused substitute at Tuks, and winger Ovidy Karuru was expected to obtain his work permit on Tuesday.
AmaZulu captain Tapelo Nyongo said the draw in Pretoria helped them realise how tough the journey ahead will be.
“It was a wake-up call - that no team is just going to roll over and let us take points from them,” said the central defender.
Second-placed Royal Eagles of Pietermaritzburg travel to Cape Town All Stars looking to bounce back from a 1-1 home draw against Stellenbosch.
Eagles will hope to register a second away win this season to stay in touch with Thanda and ahead of the chasing pack.
Unbeaten Thanda enjoy a 12-point lead at the summit going into round 17 away to Witbank Spurs.
The other local outfit, Real Kings, travel to Nelspruit desperate to avoid a second consecutive defeat.
The league rookies slipped to 12th position after their 1-0 home loss to FC Cape Town.