STEVE Barker got his new job as AmaZulu head coach off to a positive note, breaking the PSL duck with a hard-earned 2-1 win over his former club University of Pretoria last night.
The win, though, was not enough to lift them from the bottom of the log but they are not the odd ones out with no wins under their belts
Though it was Barker's first game with the club, his tactical organisation and discipline has clearly seeped through to the players. There was none of the headless chicken attacking and poor defending that punctuated Craig Rosslee's and Wilfred Mugeyi's reigns.
With no league wins this term, confidence was always going to be an issue but Usuthu seemed invigorated. Their singing before the game reverberated around the stadium before the main stand quickly filled up.
Usuthu attacking intentions were clear from the first minute but they were rather fortunate to earn a free kick in the second minute from Lwandile Mfiki. Sifiso Hlanti did not make the most of the opportunity but with the win at their backs, AmaZulu proceeded to dominate the first half. Such was their hegemony, AmaTuks only had two half chances from Atusaye Nyondo, both of which did not trouble Tapuwa Kapini. With Goodman Dlamini and Nhlanhla Shabalala anchoring the AmaZulu midfield, crisp and accurate passes were the order of the evening and AmaTuks were chasing shadows.
The hosts' first goal from Sadat Ouro-Akoriko was a result of a goalmouth scramble. It was messy, but deserved after a good 40 minutes.
They made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute with Bornwell Mwape. Geoffrey Massa pulled one back for the visitors in the 68th minute with his 25-yard rocket.
AmaZulu confidence on the rise after first win of season
STEVE Barker got his new job as AmaZulu head coach off to a positive note, breaking the PSL duck with a hard-earned 2-1 win over his former club University of Pretoria last night.
The win, though, was not enough to lift them from the bottom of the log but they are not the odd ones out with no wins under their belts
Though it was Barker's first game with the club, his tactical organisation and discipline has clearly seeped through to the players. There was none of the headless chicken attacking and poor defending that punctuated Craig Rosslee's and Wilfred Mugeyi's reigns.
With no league wins this term, confidence was always going to be an issue but Usuthu seemed invigorated. Their singing before the game reverberated around the stadium before the main stand quickly filled up.
Usuthu attacking intentions were clear from the first minute but they were rather fortunate to earn a free kick in the second minute from Lwandile Mfiki. Sifiso Hlanti did not make the most of the opportunity but with the win at their backs, AmaZulu proceeded to dominate the first half. Such was their hegemony, AmaTuks only had two half chances from Atusaye Nyondo, both of which did not trouble Tapuwa Kapini. With Goodman Dlamini and Nhlanhla Shabalala anchoring the AmaZulu midfield, crisp and accurate passes were the order of the evening and AmaTuks were chasing shadows.
The hosts' first goal from Sadat Ouro-Akoriko was a result of a goalmouth scramble. It was messy, but deserved after a good 40 minutes.
They made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute with Bornwell Mwape. Geoffrey Massa pulled one back for the visitors in the 68th minute with his 25-yard rocket.
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