"It's like a cup final for us", says AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane

Chasing an eighth-placed finish to their campaign, currently in sixth place on the league standings, Usuthu are just one point and place better off than Polokwane in seventh.

Both teams have been dropping points in recent weeks, but Zwane's side come into this tie on the back of a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows as Rise and Shine were held to a 1-1 draw with struggling SuperSport United last time out.

Speaking ahead of the game, Zwane said on IOL: "For me, this is the most important game of our season. It's like a cup final for us.

"It's a six-pointer. We are playing against a team that has got one game in hand. We are only leading them by a one-point difference.

"We know that the only time we can be able to consolidate our position for now is to get maximum. It's a fact. All the players are aware of that.

"We have to face the fact that we have let ourselves down on a number of occasions this season.

"So, it's high time we turn things around. We need to show character in this game."

Zwane explained the importance of a strong finish to the season for the AmaZulu fans.

"We need to play for our people, families and everyone that has been cheering us up through thick and thin, as they never lost hope or gave up on us," he said.

"If there's one thing that we have to do, it is to thank them through this game. That's the message that I am going to drive to the players regularly."