AmaZulu scored a vital 2-1 win over Orlando Pirates at the Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday night, a result which takes them up to 13th position on the PSL table.



It’s been a difficult season for the KZN side thus far, but tonight’s result, against one of the PSL's top sidces, coupled with a recent win over Moroka Swallows and a draw with Cosmos, could be just the tonic required for the team to move up the league table.

Prior to the game, coach Neil Tovey made no secret of the fact that he expected more from the team’s strikers and they came to the fore in the best possible way as Brad Ritson and Phelelani Dlamini scored either side of Katlego Mashego’s equaliser.

Pirates had an early chance through Andile Jali, but Usuthu soon made their intentions clear when an excellent flowing move saw Dlamini coming close to scoring – only an excellent save from Moeneeb Josephs kept him off the score sheet.

AmaZulu then drew first blood when Marc van Heerden picked out Ritson, who planted a clinical header into the back of the net.

Ntokozo Sikhakane should have doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute, but sliced his effort wide from right in front of goal.

This allowed Pirates back into the game and they equalised six minutes later when Mashego struck with a long range thunder-bolt.

However, following the restart, Usuthu regained the ascendancy, showing great determination and character to stamp their authority on the game.

Van Heerden nearly put the home side back in front o n the hour mark, but he was denied by another fantastic save by Josephs.

It was however destined to be Usuthu’s night as Litha Ngxabi released Dlamini with a delightful through ball.

The rookie striker proved to be the man for the big occasion, expertly keeping his composure to slot past Josephs for the deciding goal in the 77 th minute.

TEAMS LINE-UPS

AmaZulu: (4-4-2) Gindre; Biyela, Ariweryai, Gumede, van Heerden; Mokoro, Sikhakhane (Ngxabi 46’), Sangweni, Hadebe (Mabaso 70’); Ritson (Bukasa 79’), Dlamini