AmaZulu set to miss key man in crucial Pirates clash

Nkosikhona Radebe at AmaZulu FC

AmaZulu FC are set to miss their key player, Nkosikhona Radebe, in a crucial Betway Premiership clash against Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Saturday afternoon.

Radebe has played an important role in Usuthuโ€™s decent run of form in the league under the leadership of head coach Arthur Zwane as the club is chasing a top-three finish.

AmaZulu are pushing to finish the 2025/26 season in the top three to qualify for CAF inter-club competitions next season. The KZN-based side is currently occupying position four on the log with 39 points after winning 11 league games, drawing six, and suffering seven defeats in 24 matches.

They are competing with Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United for the third spot in the Premiership. As it stands, Chiefs are sitting third on the league table with 45 points in 23 matches, with Sekhukhune in fifth position after collecting 38 points.

AMAZULU DEALT WITH NKOSIKHONA RADEBE BLOW FOR PIRATES CLASH

Nkosikhona Radebe with AmaZulu FC
Nkosikhona Radebe. Picture courtesy of AmaZulu FC/Facebook

With less than 8 games left before the end of the campaign, AmaZulu are eyeing a big upset against Pirates this coming weekend to keep their chances of qualifying for continental football alive.

AmaZulu will face the Pirates test without one of their key defenders, Radebe, who is serving a two-match suspension after receiving a red card against Siwelele FC last weekend. The talented right-back has featured in 29 appearances across all competitions. He scored one goal and chipped in with two assists.

On the other hand, Pirates are also desperate for a victory against Sandile Zungu’s team to overtake log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and claim the top spot. The Buccaneers are currently sitting second on the log with 55 points, trailing Masandawana by just one point, though Sundowns have a game in hand.

Another player who will miss this weekend’s league action due to suspension is Stellenbosch FC striker Wonderboy Makhubu, following a red card against Chippa United on March 21, 2026. Stellies will face Sekhukhune on Friday at Athlone Stadium, searching for maximum points in front of their home fans.

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