AmaZulu coach Romain Folz is approaching the MTN8 final game against Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this coming Saturday leaving no stone left unturned.
He said to see Pirates losing the Soweto Derby to Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday will have no bearing in the final.
Pirates, despite being heavy favourites, were stopped in their tracks as Chiefs won through a long range strike by Yusuf Maart in his centre circle after spotting Siyabonga Mpontshane off his line.
On the other hand, Usuthu got their joy back of getting the three points, something they have been yearning for since August as they beat Stellenbosch with the same scoreline at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
It was Usuthu’s first league win in two months when they beat Swallows, ending nine games of a winless streak.
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In all competitions, it was also the first win since late August when they beat Cape Town City in the Wafa Wafa Cup quarter finals, ending 10 matches.
“I’m sure Orlando Pirates will enter the game with the clear mindset to be the best team on that day,” said Folz.
“I don’t think the game before plays a big part either for us or them. But for us, you might always argue that on the mental standpoint it might give you an edge [since AmaZulu won] – I’m not sure about it, because we got professional players and they will manage their emotions well.
“So you can go from one game to another without feeling the effect of the task not being completed in the first place on the previous game.
“I’m not sure that is going to be an element to consider going to the game. My only point and that was the message to the players going to this game was, it was our last repetition before the final.
“In terms of work rate itself and tactical discipline, it was the last chance for us to execute that as best as we can. So it was not perfect but it was good. Good enough to secure a victory and not concede opportunities to the opponents.”
Folz made a lot of changes to his squad, completely leaving out Gabadinho Mhango and Lehlohonolo Majoro, who watched the game in the stands.
George Maluleka and Siphesihle Maduna did not feature as they were on the bench, with Folz cautious that if either of them received a yellow card at King Zwelithini Stadium, they were going to miss the final completely.
One player that will miss the final is Bongi Ntuli, who has not removed the moon boot yet.
