AmaZulu vs Mamelodi Sundowns preview

Mamelodi Sundowns will be out to add onto the woes of AmaZulu FC when the two teams clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.

Sundowns have won back-to-back games following their 1-0 win against Raja Casablanca before beating Stellenbosch FC by the same margin last week.

They head into the match full of confidence with new coach Miguel Cardoso having managed two wins from two since his appointment and what is more, they enjoy a three-point lead at the top of the table.

AmaZulu have, however, been improving in recent matches, having won three of their last four games, to move them from the bottom to 13^th on the log on nine points even though it is just three better than basement side Magesi FC.

Miguel Cardoso Mamelodi Sundowns 1 — Image – Mamelodi Sundowns

Form guide

Sundowns are on a four-match winning run in the league and what’s more scaring for AmaZulu is that the Brazilians have not conceded a goal during that run, having scored nine times.

That goes back to October 30 but what has happened in between will encourage Usuthu as there has been a 2-1 loss to Magesi in the Carling Knockout final and a goalless draw with Maniema Union in the CAF Champions League.

AmaZulu, meanwhile, started the season with five straight losses, which led to the sacking of coach Pablo Franco Martin, who was replaced by ex-Kaizer Chiefs tactician Arthur Zwane with Vusumuzi Vilakazi as co-coaches and the duo have started turning around the club’s fortunes.

Zwane praises impact of former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder at AmaZulu — Arthur Zwane – Picture by AmaZulu FC

Three wins in their last four games have their fans dreaming of good tidings in the new year and they will provide a test to Sundowns.

Head-to-head

What will perhaps give Sundowns plenty of confidence is that they have only lost to Ushutu once in their last 10 meetings.

That defeat came in December 2021 and since then, the Brazilians have won four while drawing one, and did the double over them last season.

AmaZulu also struggle to score past Sundowns as the Brazilians have won seven without conceding in their last 10 meetings.

Lucas Ribeiro has scored in all the games against Usuthu.

Amazulu will have another tough challenge to try and stop him from increasing his goal tally against them.

Rise Ribeiro Rise💪💪#Sundowns #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/pBmHAPz2f8
— 🅨🅔🅛🅛🅞🅜🅐🅝 (@YELL0MAN) December 23, 2024

Team news

There have not been any new injury concerns from Cardoso’s team and they have striker Iqraam Rayners in great form, having scored in his last five straight matches, while Brazilian playmaker Lucas Ribeiro has scored in all games he has played against AmaZulu.

Usuthu, meanwhile, just signed ex-Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu and former Orlando Pirates defender Sandile Mthethwa who will provide depth and experience to the side.

What have they said?

Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise has reserved praise for Zungu whom he feels will be a success at AmaZulu although he hopes that the midfielder will not hurt his team.

“Bongani is a very good player, and we all know that he’s a good player, so he will add value to AmaZulu,” said Mkhulise.

“I think we must be aware and be ready for anything because we don’t know if he will play or not. But he is a good player, and we know what he is capable of on the day.”