AmaZulu co-coach Vusi Vilakazi said his side is fortunate to meet Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday when the Betway Premiership ‘landlords’ are still adapting to new coach Miguel Cardoso’s tactics.
Vilakazi said he had observed that Sundowns are still yet to fully apply Cardoso’s way of playing after the Portuguese replaced Mangoba Mngqithi weeks ago.
“I think there are changes—if there are changes. I have watched them in both games; he is trying to do some things of his own, but it is not happening yet,” he told the press on Monday ahead of the game against the holders at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Vilakazi, who shares the coaching duties with former Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane, shared his impression of the Pretoria giants' performance in the 1-0 wins over Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions’ League and Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership.
“They have won 1-0 [in both games] [and] that is not the Sundowns we know. It shows they are not yet up to the standard. I think we are also fortunate to come up against them when they are trying to do something with the new coach,” he said.
He added that the Durban-based side, lying in 13th place above the relegation zone, needs to step up to the plate against the league leaders and holders.
“It is just a matter of making sure we win the next game, which is not going to be easy. We are also going to play other human beings, [so] it is highly possible for us to do well and win the game. They have the quality and always work hard in terms of getting results but we will dig deep to compete,” Vilakazi said.
Usuthu are peaking in form, winning thrice and losing twice in the last five league games after a nightmare start to the campaign whereas Sundowns have won thrice and drawn twice in their last five matches across all competitions.
Comments