After AmaZulu defeated their rivals Maritzburg United in a KZN derby by 1-0, Usuthu head coach Brandon Truter made it clear that a top-four finish is something that is still achievable.
An own-goal from Nicholus Lukhubeni in the 21st minute was enough to give AmaZulu the bragging rights and maximum points.
Usuthu moved to seventh spot on the league table with 35 points just four points away from the top four.
Truter said he wouldn’t have taken the job if he was not up for the task, and he believes that with the quality that AmaZulu has, he can easily reach the top four, and possibly claim the CAF Champions League spot. Usuthu are aiming to go back to the CAF inter-club competition after being knocked out in the group stages this season.
“I wouldn’t have taken the job if I didn’t back myself, and also doing research and knowing AmaZulu as well with the quality of players that is available,” Truter told the media.
“I have no doubt that mandate will be reached. I’m fairly confident about reaching that mandate. And even confident about qualifying maybe for the Champions League again in second, so that’s still possible but 15 points still to play for.
“I back my boys. There’s quality throughout the team. While we were defending like that as well and we saw it come through.
“Memela could have wrapped it up. We still have guys like Andre De Jong [Siphesihle] Maduna, the youngster came in and also created. Keagan Buchanan, his first game back as well. And then we still have Tapelo Xoki outside, you still have so many players coming with [Siphelele] Mthembu unfortunately Bongi Ntuli is gone for the season.
“Same with [Augustine] Mulenga. But there are so many players that can still add value and strengthen the team. And we will get better yes the derby can be tricky it can go either way as well. But I’m fairly confident in my boys.”
Usuthu will play a second KZN derby in a space of ten days when they will face Royal AM. The match is set to take place on Sunday afternoon and Thwihli Thwahla will be the home team.
