Usuthu seek victory in KZN Derby

AmaZulu will battle with Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership encounter at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban in Tuesday. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.
Usuthu succumbed to their first league defeat of the season when they were beaten 2-0 by Chippa United in Port Elizabeth a fortnight ago.
The defeat left AmaZulu placed eighth on the league table with three points from two matches. They are only a point behind third-placed Orlando Pirates.
Meanwhile, Maritzburg recorded their second league win of the season when they defeated Ajax Cape Town 2-0 in Pietermaritzburg two weeks ago.
The win took the Team of Choice to the top of the league log with six points from two games. They are only ahead of second-placed Cape Town City on goal-difference.
Possible AmaZulu XI: Pule, Sikhakhane, Mtsweni, Ouro-Akoriko, Nyongo, Morton, Darpoh, Ramphele, Karuru, Novemthe, Khenyeza.
Possible Maritzburg XI: Mpandle, Weidlich, Ndlovu, Fransman, Xulu, Mekoa, Maboe, Makaringe, Van Wyk, Shandu, Rusike.
Head-to-Head
Season Result Scorers
2010/11 AmaZulu 3-2 Maritzburg A. Dlamini 2, Majoro; Bester, Mkhonza (og)
2010/11 Maritzburg 1-1 AmaZulu Sibisi; Hadebe
2011/12 AmaZulu 0-0 Maritzburg
2011/12 Maritzburg 1-1 AmaZulu Malajila; G. Dlamini
2012/13 Maritzburg 2-0 AmaZulu Malajila 2
2012/13 AmaZulu 0-0 Maritzburg
2013/14 AmaZulu 0-2 Maritzburg van Heerden (og), Sekotlong
2013/14 Maritzburg 1-3 AmaZulu Lentjies (pen); G. Dlamini, Ndulula 2
2014/15 Maritzburg 1-1 AmaZulu Cele; Ndulula (pen)
2014/15 AmaZulu 1-2 Maritzburg van Heerden; Mekoa, Mokate
What are the teams saying...
AmaZulu coach Cavin Johnson:
“We have arranged two or three friendlies now in the off time and I must say they have really put in the shift in the friendlies and they did a good job,” he said.
“It’s going to be a fight. Maritzburg are on a run, but we are playing at home, in front of our supporters. We will do the best we can to get the full three points."
Maritzburg United coach Fadlu Davids:
"The occasion was a little bit too big for some of our players and we have got to admit it is a learning curve," he said.
"When we play AmaZulu it will be a new game and it will be about the KZN bragging rights and three points. It is important that we keep our good run in the league."
AmaZulu key players
Sadate Ouro-Akoriko: The towering defender has walked straight into the AmaZulu starting line-up after rejoining the club. The experienced Togolese centre back will be looking to ensure that his side keep a clean sheet against Maritzburg.
Ovidy Karuru: The speedy winger has established himself as a key attacking midfielder for Usuthu. The Zimbabwean international will be keen to inspire his side to victory in the KwaZulu-Natal Derby.
Maritzburg United key players
Bevan Fransman: The experienced defender is one of the reasons why Maritzburg are yet to concede in the league this season. The South African international will be hoping to continue his good form on Tuesday.
Lebohang Maboe: The attacking midfielder has been one of the Team of Choice's most outstanding players this season. The attacker has the ability to inspire his side to victory over AmaZulu.