AmaZulu coach Romain Folz fancies his side beating Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final next month, adding that the Soweto giants are not better than Usuthu.
The latter part of Pirates not better than his side, Folz also said the same thing against Chiefs, who he dumped out of the Wafa Wafa Cup semi 1-1 on aggregate score on Sunday in Durban.
Folz’s point is that Pirates did not beat his side in the recent league match at Orlando Stadium, ending in 1-1 draw, despite the home side having had a chance to win the match, but Veli Mothwa denied them, saving the penalty of Nkosinathi Sibisi.
But on the balance of play, Pirates did not trouble Usuthu, who also had a chance ton win the game with Lehlohonolo Majoro being clean through but missed the target. This game was Folz’s first match in charge after he replaced Brandon Truter.
Usuthu will face Pirates on 5 November at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, after the Soweto giants thumped Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 (also on aggregate) in their semis over the weekend.
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Based on that, Pirates are heavy favourites to win this competition they won in 2020 at the very same venue in Durban.
“We played them very recently on their field and I don’t think we were any below them at any point,” said Folz.
“Yes, the second half was difficult for us from a physical standpoint. The first half, I can only encourage all of you to watch the first half and if it was 3-0 at half-time, I don’t think anyone would have anything to say, honestly.
“So it’s going to be a tough game, against a very good team, just like Chiefs is a very good team. But at the end of the day, if you want me to tell you they are better than us, no.
“We are absolutely not scared of them or any team you put in front of us. We will give our best and will see who wins.”
Having just arrived at the club recently, Folz, who is yet to win a match in eight PSL outings now (including five at Marumo Gallants), feels by the time his side face Pirates, they would understand him what he wants.
“The more time you get at training with the team, trying to implement what you are looking to do, the better you are going to be,” said Folz.
“And that is for sure.”
Folz’s side are next in action against his former club Gallants on Wednesday at Peter Mokaba Stadium (19:30). The 32-year-old coach assured Usuthu fans that they will win that game.
