AmaZulu coach Ayanda Dlamini is both relieved and happy as he is finalizing his preparations for Usuthu’s DStv Premiership match against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday evening.
Dlamini has a reason to be both relieved and happy as three of his trusted soldiers, who missed Usuthu’s 1-1 draw with Cape Town City last weekend, are back from injury.
‘‘We are very happy that a lot of players, who were not in our game against Cape Town City are back. They have been cleared by doctors,’’ Dlamini said referring to the return of Somila Ntsendwana, Mbongeni Gumede and Butholethu Ncube.
Despite being happy with the return of his players, Dlamini fully understands the tough task ahead as Usuthu head to Thohoyandou.
‘‘They (TTM) are a very good team. I think they have assembled a very strong squad and they have shown in their games that it’s difficult to play against them,’’ he said.
‘‘We have analysed them and we know what we have to do. It’s not gonna be easy and it’s always difficult to go there and play. We are going there to try and win the game.’’
Meanwhile, Dlamini insists that Usuthu made a good decision in signing goalkeeper Veli Mothwa and attacking midfielder Phakamani Mahlambi, who were unveiled by club president Sandile Zungu on Tuesday.
‘‘They are very, very good players both of them. Veli did very well at Chippa, he was their leader and captain. We know that Mahlambi is a very good player. We felt we needed someone like him and we are very happy to have him here,’’ said Dlamini.
AmaZulu are 10th on the DStv Premiership standings with five points from the number of matches. They have won once, drawn twice and lost two times.
Written by Monwabisi Jimlongo
