AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa believes Stellenbosch will have an advantage when they visit Usuthu on Sunday for a DStv Premiership encounter.
Instead of the bigger Moses Mabhida Stadium, the two clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
The game had to be moved from Moses Mabhida due to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s coronation.
“It’s going to be a very tough encounter. Stellenbosch are very good, we are playing them in a small field and they are used to it. We need to win so we can be in good spirits ahead of the final,” Mothwa told the media.
AmaZulu will be eager to use the clash to boost their confidence ahead of the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates next Saturday.
Despite qualifying for next weekend’s MTN8 final, the Durban side are currently not doing well in the league.
They are winless in two months after playing seven games. AmaZulu picked four draws against Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Maritzburg United and Marumo Gallants.
That leaves them in ninth position with 14 points. Their losses came against Chippa United, Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay.
The failure to collect maximum points has piled pressure on them, especially with their mission to finish in the top four.
This Sunday, they face formidable opponents Stellenbosch FC, who have not won in their last three encounters. They have also amassed 14 points, sitting just below Usuthu at 10th place.
Stellies recently lost to Supersport United and Kaizer Chiefs, drawing with Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Mothwa knows the importance of winning their last league game before the FIFA World Cup break.
“Now it’s tough on us. We haven’t won in some time, and getting three points will be key to going to the break in the top eight. We need to come back knowing what to work on in the second round,” Mothwa added.
Interestingly, Usuthu have faced Stellies five times in all competitions, winning two and drawing three.
In previous encounters, 14 goals have been scored, AmaZulu scoring eight and conceding six.
