Brandon Truter got one over his former employers as AmaZulu secured a 1-0 win over Swallows FC, who remain in the relegation play-off spot.
DStv Premiership
Result: Swallows 0-1 AmaZulu
Date: 02 May 2022
Venue: Dobsonville Stadium
The Birds made three changes from their win over Baroka, as they brought back Musa Nyatama, Fawaaz Basadien and Khetukuthula Ndlovu while Usuthu recalled Siphelele Mthembu, Keagan Buchanan, Sphesihle Maduna and Mbongeni Gumede.
Dylan Kerr's charges had a bright start and in the 16th minute Mwape Musonda found the back of the net but the goal was chalked off for a foul in the build-up.
The hosts continued carve out chances, as Monnapule Saleng forced a save out of Veli Mothwa ten minutes before the half-time break with a strike in the box after going through on goal.
Despite Swallows' dominance, Truter's troops had a chance to break the deadlock just before the half-time break after after Makhehlene Makhaula exchanged passes with Luvuyo Memela but his shot produce a crucial save from goalkeeper Jody February.
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Kerr brought on Ruzaigh Gamildien at half-time in place of Ndlovu for fresh legs upfront and they put AmaZulu under pressure, as Dillion Solomons was denied the breakthrough by the post.
However, Usuthu were decisive with their best chance in the second stanza as Maduna eventually broke the deadlock 22 minutes before time with a composed finish past February after a through ball by Andre De Jong.
AmaZulu made a defensive change in the last quarter of an hour as Tercious Malepe replaced goalscorer Maduna and the visitors held on to cement their spot in the top eight while Swallows remained second-from-bottom on the log.
Here's how they lined up:
Swallows: 31. February, 18. Solomons, 34. Sait, 28. Sasman, 24. Basadien, 15. Nyatama, 3. Mahlatsi, 21. Margeman, 10. Saleng, 22. Ndlovu, 20. Musonda.
Subs: 50. Tshabalala, 2. Sibiya, 33. Khupe, 11. Mvelase, 29. Mbhele, 9. Mokoena, 12. Gamildien, 47. Wambi, 42. Matlou.
AmaZulu: 44. Mothwa, 17. Gumede, 13. Zulu, 27. Xoki, 2. Mobara, 45. Buchanan, 8. Makhaula, 23. Mlambo, 11. Memela, 34. Maduna, 9. Mthembu.
Subs: 38. Amonome, 22. Khumalo, 5. Sikhakhane, 4. Malepe, 36. Kunene, 19. Moremi, 28. Ekstein, 14. De Jong, 12. Majok.
