AmaZulu FC will battle it out with defending champions Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 match set to be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Usuthu are winless in their last two matches after letting a lead slip in their 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs away on Wednesday, having lost to TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership on September 24.
AmaZulu were crowned Carling Knockout champions in 1992 when the competition was known as the Coca Cola Cup at the time and they are now looking to end their 33-year trophy drought.
Meanwhile, Magesi are also winless in two matches, having succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to Durban City away on 27 September, making it back-to-back defeats following a loss to Richards Bay on 24 September.
Dikwena Tsa Meetse had a fairytale run in last season's Carling Knockout as they clinched their maiden major trophy, and they are now on a mission to become the first team to win back-to-back trophies since Kaizer Chiefs did so in 2009 and 2010.
TEAM NEWS
AmaZulu will be without the services of Siyanda Hlangabeza, who remains suspended after missing the game against Chiefs, while his teammates Ben Motshwari, Bongani Zungu and Elmo Kambindu are currently injured.
Magesi, on the other hand, have no suspension concerns coming into this cup encounter and the Limpopo side are yet to report new injuries in their camp.
WHAT WAS SAID?
AmaZulu FC midfielder Bongani Zungu
“I think it’s the hunger [that’s needed], this season they brought in young players with a lot of hunger to succeed. That has been evident in the league cause we have been doing pretty much well and it’s exciting times for the club," Zungu said.
“Competitions like this (Carling Knockout) are a chance for the club to grab some silverware. We are excited about the season, and we will continue to give every team we play against problems cause we have proven this season that we can play against anyone.
“We create chances which was the problem, but the guys are improving upfront, and the team is gelling very well. We’re looking forward to playing well and trying our best to have a great season.”
Magesi FC head coach John Maduka
"This is a cup game. It can give us confidence going into the league matches if we do well here. There are many games where we've been unlucky in the league, where we ended up losing them after showing good performances," Maduka said.
"So, this can help us and the players can start believing in themselves that they can win matches. If we win the match against AmaZulu, it will give us the confidence we need to start getting the points we require in the league games.
"If we want to retain this trophy, we have to work hard, starting against AmaZulu. It is not going to be an easy road because when you are the defending champions, everyone wants to beat you. This one is going to be difficult."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, AmaZulu FC: The in-form marksman is one player who has what it takes to propel Usuthu to the quarterfinals, having found the back of the net in back-to-back matches to take his tally to four goals this season.
Elvis Chipezeze, Magesi FC: The Zimbabwe international is one of the reasons why Dikwena Tsa Meetse won the Carling Knockout last season, as he produced eye-catching displays and the goalkeeper remains a key player for the team.
HEAD-TO-HEAD (since 2016/17)
PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS
N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of AmaZulu FC and Magesi FC
CUP RECORD
N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of AmaZulu FC and Magesi FC
ALL LEAGUE RESULTS
Season Result Scorers
2016/17 (NFD) Magesi 3-2 AmaZulu N/A
2016/17 (NFD) AmaZulu 3-0 Magesi N/A
2024/25 Magesi 0-1 AmaZulu Zungu
2024/25 AmaZulu 3-0 Magesi Radebe, Moremi, Sithole
2025/26 Magesi 1-1 AmaZulu J. Mokone; Ngwenya
OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)
Total
P W D L GF GA
AmaZulu 5 3 1 1 10 4
Magesi 5 1 1 3 4 10
