KwaZulu-Natal will come to a standstill this weekend as AmaZulu and Golden Arrows lock horns in a high-stakes KZN Derby that promises more than just bragging rights.
Usuthu and Abafana Besthende will clash at the Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday at 3 pm, an encounter bubbling with anticipation.
With both teams chasing a place in the Betway Premiership’s coveted top eight, the encounter carries significant weight as the season edges closer to its conclusion. Derbies are always passionate affairs, but this one arrives with added consequences.
Only a few points separate the sides on the table, and both clubs understand that a strong finish could mean a place in next season’s MTN8. This objective could bring about financial gain, competitive prestige, and momentum heading into the next campaign.
AmaZulu FC striker AmaZulu Bonginkosi Ntuli who recently married the club CEO in September has died today afternoon due to cancer.
Bongi will forever be remembered for this iconic penalty incident against Golden Arrows. RIP Bongi 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WwWeUcZnJZ
— SINAN 🇺🇬 (@SinanRajub) November 5, 2023
AmaZulu currently occupy seventh place in the standings with 33 points after 26 matches, while their opponents sit three places down in tenth place with 29 points. However, Arrows are still playing catch-up and have to make up four matches against their rivals.
Arrows have shown glimpses of consistency in recent weeks and will be eager to turn home advantage into maximum points.
Head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has spoken about instilling a winning mentality within the squad, and this fixture provides the perfect stage to showcase that progress after nearly two months since his return.
The likes of Nduduzo Sibiya and Velemseni Ndwandwe will be key in unlocking Usuthu’s backline, which has struggled with lapses in concentration this season. The visitors in this encounter, on the other hand, have struggled to steady themselves despite their recent derby win over Richards Bay.
AmaZulu Head coach Arthur Zwane is enduring his toughest period since arriving in Durban with his side having lost four of their last five outings.
Congrats to Velemseni Ndwandwe from Golden Arrows for playing his 150th Game for the Durban based club. Great servant and a really good player in our league #BetwayPremiership #SSFootball pic.twitter.com/5Ynmzej3F3
— Fiso Mazibuko (@fismaz007) March 5, 2025
Even though transitional play and pace on the flanks remain their biggest weapons, Arrows are expected to ask questions about Usuthu’s constantly changing defence.
AmaZulu have the second-worst defensive record in the division. Beyond the tactical battle, there’s the emotional and cultural importance of the KZN Derby.
It’s a fixture that brings together communities, ignites local pride and provides a platform for players to etch their names into provincial folklore. This particular encounter also provides a chip on the shoulders of the opposing managers.
Two seasons ago, they squared off on the opposing dugouts in the colours of Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns and will renew that battle in KZN.
With the race for the top eight as tight as ever, both teams know that a slip-up here could prove costly. The margins are fine, and momentum is crucial. For AmaZulu and Arrows, this may be a defining moment in their season and come full-time, only one side will walk away with a firmer grip on their top-eight ambitions.
