Durban – It’s Clinton Larsen versus Calvin Johnson. Green and white versus green and yellow and, ultimately, it’s all about those that take the pitch when Amazulu meet Golden Arrows.
Yebo, yes, this is arguably the province’s biggest showdown. Usuthu against Abafana Bes'thende is a must-see affair, especially just before the festive season.
Khon'ozolahla!
Due to proximity to one another, these two clubs can tear families and neighbourhoods apart. For true KwaZulu-Natal fans, who grew up on the likes of Clermont Home Defenders and other such noticeable teams, they will understand and respect the importance of this derby match.
The result impacts through the breadth and length of the kingdom of the Zulu, and even Isilo himself will have an eye on this one.
This games lands itself at the halfway point of the season. Amazulu, affectionately known as Usuthu, have done very well to be where they are in the log, given their deduction of six points from the Federation upfront.
That's what happens when you buy yourself back into Premiership football, kahle hle.
It’s Clinton Larsen versus Calvin Johnson when Amazulu meet Golden Arrows. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
On the other hand, we have Golden Arrows affectionately known as “Abafana besthende”. They have had an up and down season thus far, where they lose one week to cup winners Baroka and then chow Kaizer Chiefs the next.
A look at the current table tells you that Usuthu is flirting with relegation, while Abafana Besthende are pushing for top eight honours, which is a fair while away in the new year.
So, let's get onto the game and who we see gaining points in the table.
Ones traditional methods were thrown out the cot here, being a Zulu boy and confronted by early deadlines, it became a bit of a conundrum. Mr Bones, iSports Sangoma senu, has decided to look into alternative methods, which I will keep to myself.
I would warn all to look out for the likes of newly selected u20 national player Philakahle Dlamini to have an impact. This young man fancies Barcelona pair Sergio Busquets and Messi as his favourite players, and will want to be the perfect hybrid of both come 22 December.
Then there is also Limbikani Mvaza from Arrows, a tower of strength at the back. He does like to nudge forward, too, so don't be surprised if he pops up on the scoring sheet.
This game should have goals scored by each side and there is a strong play for a draw here. However, the Bones have never enjoyed sitting on the fence when it comes to such matters.
If forced into picking a side, I must say I fancy Usuthu oluhlaza ngenkani, to paint the city in their colours, and leave the Arrows laaities feeling green right through the holidays.
Hebe! Usuthu!!
Match day experience for soccer fans: Kick For A Million
To build on the success of the competition from last season, Absa is once again changing many lives through the Kick for Million competition throughout the 2018/19 Absa Premiership season.
On match day, six fans are chosen ahead of the start of the game at the respective stadium to kick against an Absa Premiership legendary goalkeeper in a sudden death competition during halftime.
At the end of the contest, each runner-up will receive R1,000 and the winner of the round will take home R5,000.
The winner of the final round then automatically becomes a finalist to Kick for a Million at the trophy handover match at the end of the season in May 2019.
In the build-up to Saturday's KZN derby, Absa will host roadshows in Umlazi on Thursday, December 20 at Mega City Mall from 1pm to 5pm and Friday, December 21 at Eyadini Lounge from 3pm – 5pm.
And on match day, Absa will be bringing fans the ultimate match day experience through the Woza Nazo Absa Red Zone, where over a 1 000 soccer fans will get access to an exclusive area where there will be entertainment, food, refreshments and Woza Nazo merchandise ahead of the match.
The Absa Red Zone will be located on the outer field at King Zwelithini stadium, and open from 12pm until 2.30pm on December 22.
* This article was published in partnership with Absa.