Buchanan Expects ‘Nice Battle’ With Sithebe

AmaZulu midfielder Keagan Buchanan can’t wait to come head-to-head for a “nice battle” with Siyethemba Sithebe of Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday, saying Usuthu is approaching the game to win.

This is because these two clubs will meet in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at FNB Stadium, before facing each other in the second leg in Durban later in October

It means Sithebe, who acrimoniously left AmaZulu at the end of last season, will face his former club in a crucial match for both clubs as they seek to win the first trophy on offer this season.

Sithebe formed the best combination in the midfield for Usuthu in the 2020/21 season with Makhehlene Makhaula, as the Durban-based club finished second, the highest position in the club’s PSL history on the DStv Premiership table under then coach Benni McCarthy.

However, last season, with Sithebe’s contract expiring in June this year, things became sour after he couldn’t agree with Usuthu management to extend his deal.

Usuthu offered him a new deal to remain, but the player and his agent were not happy with the salary package offered to them. When January came, news broke out that Sithebe had signed a pre-contract with Chiefs.

That infuriated Usuthu boss Sandile Zungu, who banished the dreadlocked attacker not to play for the club again.

Sithebe, was allowed to train with Usuthu even though he knew that he was not going to play and did not play a single match in the second half of the season.

“It’s going to be nice to play against Rasta again,” said Buchanan.

“I’m sure he is also looking forward to it, especially at this stage of the competition to play against your former team, and it’s going to be nice and exciting.”

Buchanan, just like Sithebe, will be facing his former club alongside George Maluleka and Ramahlwe Mphahlele, with the latter let go by Amakhosi at the end of last term.

Buchanan, who has since replaced Sithebe in the Usuthu midfield, says they will need to silence Chiefs on Sunday and complete the job in Durban in the second leg.

“Because it is a cup game, it’s going to be an open match,” said Buchanan whose side has already gone to FNB Stadium and got the draw against Chiefs in the league.

“I don’t think Arthur Zwane [Chiefs coach] is someone who will sit back and play for a draw, it is not his nature. It should be an exciting game because we are also not going there and wanting a draw.”

Story by Robin-Duke Madlala (@duke_robin).

In this edition of iDiski Times, we assess the recent transfer window with iDiskiTV analyst Junior Khanye as well as former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns assistant Farouk Khan. We also look at Orlando Pirates’ new little magician with the long name, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and have an overview all transfers in the recent window. We bring you the details of Pitso Mosimane’s move to Al Ahli Saudi and chat with Morgan Mammal, who claims he is the head coach at Chippa United now. We also have a feature on in-form AmaZulu winger Nduduzo Sibiya and a whole lot more. Read the full edition of iDiski Times below: