Former AmaZulu player Sazi Ngubane has backed Usuthu to win the MTN8 final under the recently appointed coach Romain Folz.
Folz took over the reins from Brandon Truter who played a 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs in the first leg of the semifinal at FNB Stadium in October before he was shown the door.
The Frenchman helped Usuthu to reach the final after a disciplined performance as they played to a goalless draw with Amakhosi, which saw them progressing on the away goal rule.
The 37-year-old coach and his troops will be looking to win their first ever MTN8 in the club’s history and Ngubane backs them, despite saying it’s a “50/50” situation.
Although Ngubane feels Pirates, who led by the Spanish tactician, have a good squad and are doing well in the Dstv Premiership, he has insisted that AmaZulu can end their trophy drought.
“This is a big game, this one is big, it’s even hard to predict, Pirates is in the top four, AmaZulu is on top eight, both teams are doing well, but I go with AmaZulu,” Ngubane told This Is Football. Africa.
“I go with AmaZulu, I wish they can win this one, it’s been a while without winning any trophy. Actually since 1992, so there’s a big gap. I know how much it will mean if they win, I wish them all the best.
“But it’s not going to be easy for both coaches, Romain (Folz) has just arrived, he is not yet used to the boys, but I can see he has a knowledge, even though they have drawn games lately. He’s still young, but with knowledge.
“Pirates won’t get it easy either just because AmaZulu are at home. Anything can happen, it’s 50/50. The team that can score first, could probably win the game, but as I said, I’m on AmaZulu’s side.”
Usuthu do have several riches in their squad, with players such as George Maluleke, captain Makhehleni Makhaula, but the Royal AM reserve team head coach has singled out goalkeeper Veli Mothwa and former Pirates striker Lehlohonolo Majoro as two players who can possibly upset the happy people.
“Veli Mothwa is a good goalkeeper, if he’s on form, he will push his boys to perform, he will fight to keep a clean sheet as usual,” Ngubane added.
“Another player I think can be dangerous to Pirates is Lehlohonolo Majoro, he will need to prove a point since he played for them. He is a good striker.”
The two teams will meet at the Iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening at 18h00.
