AmaZulu coach Romain Folz is bullish on how they will handle the in-form Monnapule Saleng when they clash with Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final on Saturday.
The Frenchman says there will be no special arrangements for the influential winger. Moses Mabhida Stadium will appropriately host this season’s MTN8 final as KZN backs AmaZulu FC to end its 30-year trophy drought.
IMPRESSIVE SALENG
Furthermore, it is twelve years since a KZN club brought home silverware after Golden Arrows delivered one of the biggest MTN8 triumphs in 2009 when they beat Ajax Cape Town 6-0.
This is also AmaZulu’s first cup final appearance since 2010, when they lost 3-0 to Bidvest Wits in the Nedbank Cup.
The build-up to Saturday’s game has one recurring theme on winger Saleng, who has been very impressive throughout this tournament.
Saleng was a factor in Pirates’ semi-final big kill over Mamelodi Sundowns after they progressed to the final following a 3-0 win away from home.
But Folz refuses to bite the bait to the Saleng hype and feels a collective effort is what AmaZulu needs against favourites Pirates.
“Nope, we treat every player and team the same; we give them the same level of focus,” Folz told the media.
“We are aware of their quality and few individuals, but we do not put an entire plan on one player, he is a good player, and they have other great players.
“As much as we know what they have, they know what we have. It’s going to be a good game for both teams.”
HIGH SPIRITS
Usuthu are high in spirits heading into the big date on home soil shortly after recording their first win at King Zwelithini Stadium against Stellenbosch FC under Folz. They beat Stellies 1-0 on Sunday.
Opponents Pirates, on the other hand, are wounded following their Soweto derby fall at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs, who beat them 1-0.
However, AmaZulu’s 32-year-old mentor believes that despite last weekend’s respective results, no one is favourites heading into the MTN8 final.
“There are no favourites or underdogs. We are going there to win, even though they have that in their minds,” Folz said.
