Romain Folz will face an acid test in his debut as AmaZulu coach in Friday’s Premiership match against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.
FRENCHMAN Romain Folz will face an acid test in his debut as AmaZulu coach in Friday’s Premiership match against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.
It is the cruel fate of life that Folz starts his tenure against possibly the second-strongest team in the league with a side that has battled since the start of the season. AmaZulu’s overall performances have been disappointing, and the club’s management decided to show previous coach Brandon Truter the exit door.
One thing going for Folz is that the confidence is not high at Pirates, who have failed to win their last two matches. They were held to a 0-0 draw at home by a 10-man Richards Bay and they lost 2-0 to an average Sekhukhune United side.
“Of course, we are aware of what they can do, how they play and what we can expect from them,” said Folz. “It is always about trying to fix what was not going right and the importance of the next three games and the opponents. I look at every game the same way.
“But we won’t change the way we approach the game. Whether we play Pirates, Maritzburg (United) or (Kaizer) Chiefs, we will approach the game the same.”
𝐖𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐃𝐈𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐏 💬
Usuthu defender, Abbubaker Mobara, says they will give it their all at Orlando Stadium tomorrow night 🟢⚪️#HebeUsuthu#UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/RluZGbAQk2
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) October 13, 2022
Folz will be squaring off against Pirates for the second time in as many months, having been at the helm at Marumo Gallants, who went down 1-0 in a league fixture at Orlando Stadium in August.
Jose Riveiro, the Pirates coach, said there were lessons to be learnt from the Richards Bay encounter and has urged his charges to remain motivated.
“The way they guys started the game in the first minute, we went with pure determination towards goal, and we committed ourselves to get three points here at home,” said Riveiro.
“And continuing the good performances and good results we have been collecting recently here in Orlando. We’re a bit upset because we were looking for the three points.
“As I said, this is just the beginning. It’s going to be a tough season for everyone. We have no time to lose morale or motivation.”
Pirates will be without the services of the suspended Thabiso Monyane, who sits out the last game in his two-match ban after picking up a red card against Sekhukhune.
But the Buccaneers will welcome back goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who has served a one-match suspension due to the accumulation of yellow cards.
On AmaZulu’s side, they will be without the services of ex-Pirates striker Gabadinho Mhango, who remains suspended since getting his marching orders in the 1-1 draw against Chiefs in the MTN 8 semi-final first leg.
For Pirates, Nigerian international Olisa Ndah will be a key player. He has a calm presence in central defence, where he has nullified many a threat. He can initiate attacks with his accurate long passes that can stretch the opposition’s defence.
For AmaZulu, Veli Mothwa, the experienced goalkeeper will be crucial to the visitors’ cause. He not only provides a solid last line of defence, but also provides some vital leadership to the team on a day when two of South Africa’s oldest teams clash in Orlando.
