Finally, coach Romain Folz has won his first game in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) at the 9th attempt.
AmaZulu beat Stellenbosch 1-0 in the DStv Premiership match at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Zambian Rally Bwalya blasted the game’s only goal in the 31st minute when he put power behind the ball outside the box to beat Sage Stephens hands down.
It gave Folz something he has been yearning for a long time in the PSL, as he did not win in any of the five matches in charge of Marumo Gallants at the beginning of the season.
At Usuthu, it was Folz’s fourth game in charge, having drawn the previous three matches. However, that against Kaizer Chiefs can be classified as a victory as AmaZulu booked their spot on aggregate last weekend to reach the final of the MTN8 against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The French-born coach said it was just a matter of time before he gets his first win in South Africa and crucially looking at what is next on the menu for the club, the pressure has slightly been off his shoulders.
“I told you all of you that in the past it was just a matter of time,” said Folz after the game.
“But the sooner the better. But I know it was about to happen at some point so it happened today and it is a relief in terms of pressure, but it was about time basically.
“Yes, I’m happy with that.”
Interestingly, the last time AmaZulu played at this venue in Umlazi was against Marumo Gallants last season, the former club of Folz, which the game stole headlines as it was stopped due to kits clashing on 3 November last year and then played the following day.
Not only was it the first win for Folz in the PSL, but it was also the first win for Usuthu in the league since August when they beat Swallows to go top of the DStv Premiership table under former coach Brandon Truter, ending nine games of a winless streak.
But when it comes to all competitions, it was also the first since late August when they beat Cape Town City in the Wafa Wafa Cup quarter-final, equating to 10 matches.
But Usuthu should have won this game by more than one goal as Abbubaker Mobara missed from range in the second half.
Stephens also produced the biggest save of the match, denying Thembela Sikhakhane also from close range in the second half.
“It was not perfect but it was good enough for us to secure victory and not really concede that many opportunities to the opponents,” he added.
