PSL Focus: FS Stars v AmaZulu

18 February 2012

PSL Focus: FS Stars v AmaZulu

Venue: Charles Mopeli Stadium

Time: 15h30

Free State Stars have to show if their 1-0 win against AmaZulu in the first round game was not a fluke when the two sides meet again this afternoon.

Stars are back from their 1-1 draw in the midweek game against SuperSport United away from home. Their team has been boosted with the return of Kennedy Mweene and Noah Chivuta, who were away on national duty for Afcon Champions Zambia.

Katlego Mashego, who is one of the players that have been scoring goals for the side this season, told the Siya crew that AmaZulu may be up for a surprise in Phuthaditjhaba.

“We have prepared very well for the game and we are aware of the fact that we have to win after our failure to win against SuperSport United. It’s not like it will be easy but at least our players that were unavailable are back to boost us, and the coach will make a decision on who should play. Their availability is good for the team because their experience will help us. We must make sure that we use our chances to score goals because we can’t afford to disappoint our supporters. For us, playing at home is different compared to playing away because of the support we get. Our supporters always come in numbers to support us so we have to win for them,” said Mashego.

AmaZulu want to put their misfortune in the last game behind them and try to break Stars’ stubborn defence. The KZN-based side thought they had the game against Sundowns at grasp only for the ball to deflect off Tsweu Mokoro into the back of the net late in the second half.

Speaking to the Siya crew, Mokoro revealed that he has already put that incident past him and is determined to help the club together with the rest of his teammates against Stars.

“I think it’s going to be hard against Free State Stars because they are a team that likes to play the long balls. They will be motivated because they played a draw in their previous game while for us it was a loss. About the incident (own goal) that hasn’t affected me because I had the whole team’s support about it. I was trying to stop Sundowns from scoring when the ball deflected off me. I have been in this game for long and I understand that such things happen in football,” said Mokoro. 

 

Form guide

Stars: W-W-L-L-D

AmaZulu: W-D-W-D-L

 

Players to watch

Stars: Edward Manqele

AmaZulu: Carlington Nyadombo