AMAZULU, who have disappointed in the past when playing at Moses Mabhida Stadium, will have to dig deep into their reserves if they are to contain the rejuvenated Free State Stars and net a crucial three points tonight.

They meet at this 2010 Fifa World Cup venue in an Absa Premiership match that kicks off at 7.30pm.

Both sides have 30 points from 27 matches, but Stars are 11th on the log thanks to a superior goal difference, with AmaZulu 13th.

Free State Stars thrashed Platinum Stars 3-0 on Saturday, while Usuthu lost to Orlando Pirates last week.

AmaZulu captain and defender Pere Ariwerayi yesterday described tonight's match as a "must-win for us".

"It's make or break for us. This is one match we desperately need to win not only to redeem ourselves, but to make sure that we stay clear of the relegation zone," Ariwerayi told Sowetan.

"At the moment, we are six points ahead of (Mpumalanga Black) Aces, which shows that we are not far from the danger zone.

"We have to win this one. We can't settle for anything but a win and I would like to believe that we are capable of winning. I know Stars also need the three points, but they are not as desperate as we are."

But Usuthu will have to do more than talking if they are serious about ending the season in the top eight. History suggests the hosts will struggle at a venue where they have managed only two points from a possible 12.

Ariwerayi and company will have to be on the lookout for the likes of Aleni Lebyane, Kingston Nkatha and Manti Moholo.

Moholo scored a brace in Saturday's 3-0 win after coming on as a second-half substitute.