AmaZulu midfielder George Maluleka has admitted that former captain Makhehleni Makhaula has left a big hole in the side and it is for the senior players to step up now.
Makhaula, who was the captain of the club and standout leader in the team in the central midfield role, left Usuthu just before the January transfer window closed, to join Orlando Pirates after he had initially signed a pre-contract with them to join in July.
However, both parties agreed on an early transfer of Makhaula so that AmaZulu can get something out of the player rather than losing him for free.
Maluleka says AmaZulu have other capable players who can fill up the role such as Keagan Buchanan, Rally Bwalya and Tercious Malepe.
“Obviously it is a big responsibility and he left a big gap, he was our captain,” he said on Wednesday.
“He was our captain, as I said, but I think we have more than enough of the guys, senior players to make sure that we remain focused.
“It’s been okay and we are still working.”
Maluleka knows what it is like to play for the Soweto giants, having played for Kaizer Chiefs between 2013 until 2020, winning the league title and the MTN8 trophy.
While Makhaula is preparing for his first Soweto Derby since he joined Pirates, Maluleka is preparing for his own derby that will see Usuthu host Royal AM at the Moses Mabhida Stadium also on Saturday (20:00).
