AmaZulu face tough Carling Knockout test against unpredictable Stellenbosch

The two sides come into the encounter on the back of contrasting results with Usuthu boasting a six-match winning run, while Stellies have drawn three matches, won twice and lost the last league clash at home to Chippa United.

However, the Western Cape outfit has a superior record in the tournament than the visitors after having won the inaugural 2023/24 Carling Knockout Cup title on penalties against TS Galaxy but have failed to progress past the quarterfinals since then.

Meanwhile, AmaZulu have been eliminated in the Round of 16 stage in the last two seasons including a 2-1 loss after extra-time to the Maroons in the 2024/25 campaign and are yet to win a domestic trophy since 1992.

Both teams have won two of their last four fixtures between them, with the KwaZulu-Natal side winning the opening league match of the current season 1-0 away from home courtesy of a Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya penalty.

Stellenbosch coach Hunt issued a squad update ahead of the cup clash, expressing the need to improve their performances with some players returning from injuries.

"We've missed a lot of players, and if you compare it to AmaZulu, they've had their sort of best 11 out most of the time, bar one or two," said Hunt at the pre-match conference.

"We need to still get there, I still think, you know. That's because of players being out because of various reasons.

"We are getting one or two back, but there is still one or two out of the picture still, like [Mosa] Lebusa; he hasn't played, and Genino Palace hasn't played, so they won't be available on the weekend."

Usuthu mentor Arthur Zwane has mildly echoed his opposition coach's assessment of his team having better squad availability and depth during the current campaign.

"Our biggest weapon right now is chemistry," said Zwane.

"Last season, losing key players dented that progress. Now, from game one up to this point, you see familiar faces. If we change, we change one or two, maybe three if forced.

"Once you establish that identity and understanding, you stand a good chance in any game because you know each other better than other teams do."

Kick-off is at 18H00.