AmaZulu midfielder George Maluleka says there is no turning back now as they are just a step away from winning the MTN8 trophy against Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Maluleka, who has won two MTN8 trophies in his career and the other coming at the Durban venue in 2014/15 season against Pirates, says they have put themselves in this position and the best way possible is to finish things off.
The 33-year-old will start in the midfield three with Makhehleni Makhaula and Keagan Buchanan or Rally Bwalya when coach Romain Folz put his wits together in the effort to stop the Soweto giants.
Maluleka will come face to face Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Miguel Timm in what will be interesting match-ups in the midfield.
“To be honest, we put ourselves in this position of winning the trophy and we will need a lot of discipline tactically but that is all up to the coach,” said Maluleka, who will play in his sixth MTN8 final on Saturday, more than any other player.
“But definitely we will try to nullify their midfield not to be built, try to exploit their weaknesses. We will also have to look at the game (they played against Kaizer Chiefs where Pirates lost last Saturday), and we will try to see where to hurt them the most.”
In the previous match for Usuthu against Stellenbosch FC last weekend, Maluleka wasn’t at risk since he had three yellow cards, with coach Romain Folz leaving him on the bench completely.
His services weren’t needed as Bwalya completely ran Stellies off the park, topping it off with a brilliant goal from range to open his account in the PSL and also see Folz win his first game in the PSL in nine attempts.
That will mean Maluleka will be fresher and firing on all cylinders as Usuthu seek their first trophy in 30 years.
“The Stellenbosch match, I spoke to the coach that he shouldn’t risk me because I’m on three yellow cards,” said Maluleka.
“I was part of the plans and the same with Siphesihle Maduna (who also has three). But I was ready for Stellies and I’m a match fit for Pirates as well.
“Hopefully it can be a good week and we can finish it off on Saturday.”
