AmaZulu striker Gabadinho Mhango is a massive blow for the club following a suspension and his absence looks set to affect the Durban side.
Referee Victor Gomes gave Mhango a straight red card on Sunday in the MTN8 semi-final first leg.
There was controversy about the red card as the striker was already substituted off when he received his marching orders.
Therefore, Mhango is set to miss Usuthu’s next two DStv Premiership matches. That’s the KZN derby against Richards Bay on Wednesday and a clash against his former side Orlando Pirates on October 14th.
Mhango being sent off led AmaZulu coach Brandon Truter to bemoan the red card describing it as “unfair”.
“Gabadinho [Mhango] didn’t deserve to get sent off. An official told him to put on a shirt. He delayed and delayed then red card,” Truter told the media.
Mhango hit the ground running at the KZN outfit. He is the main striker at the club after making nine appearances in all competitions. So far, he has found the back of the net four times and provided an assist.
His absence will, however, give other strikers like Lehlohonolo Majoro, Augustine Kwem and Sandile Khumalo an opportunity to prove themselves in the field of play.
Majoro and Kwem scored one goal each, while Khumalo has yet to find the back of the net this season.
Apart from Mhango’s suspension, the other two players are unavailable for selection for the KZN derby on Wednesday due to suspension; Veluyeke Zulu and Keagan Buchanan.
Zulu was given his marching orders after receiving two yellow cards against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday. The 27-year-old defender has been instrumental for Usuthu. He has made five appearances in all competitions and scored one goal.
Buchanan is another absentee for the derby. So far this season, he has made nine appearances in all competitions. He has provided two assists for his side.
Kickoff at Moses Mabhida Stadium is at 5pm.
