AmaZulu's Arthur Zwane eyes historic upset against wounded champions Mamelodi Sundowns

AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane may believe his side are well-placed to test a wounded Mamelodi Sundowns, but history offers a sobering reminder of the challenge that awaits Usuthu on Tuesday night.

Under the lights at the Moses Mabhida (kick-off 7.30pm), AmaZulu will attempt to halt a worrying trend that has seen Sundowns dominate recent meetings between the two sides — often with minimal fuss. Sundowns arrive in Durban bruised after their Nedbank Cup exit earlier this month, yet their grip on this fixture has remained firmly in their control. 

They have won the last five meetings, keeping five consecutive clean sheets in the process. AmaZulu have failed to score against the Brazilians since 2023, conceding nine goals across that run. Earlier this season, Sundowns claimed two 2–0 league victories over Usuthu, continuing a pattern that dates back to 2024, where they also recorded 3–0 and 1–0 wins. 

Even when margins have been narrow, the balance of power has remained unmistakable. Still, Zwane believes context matters.

“We fancy our chances, we’re playing at home but we know it’s not gonna be an easy one because we’re playing against a team that is wounded as well,” Zwane said.

AmaZulu’s belief is not misplaced. The 2025/26 campaign has marked a clear shift in trajectory for Usuthu, who have blended youth with structure to emerge as one of the league’s most consistent sides. 

They head into this fixture sitting fifth on the Betway Premiership standings, just two points behind third-placed Sekhukhune United, with continental qualification firmly within reach. Their confidence is further boosted by progress in the Nedbank Cup, where AmaZulu remain in contention to end a 34-year wait for silverware, having booked their place in the quarter-finals.

Yet, Zwane is acutely aware that Sundowns’ recent cup disappointment does not signal vulnerability — merely focus.

“We all saw they rested most of their players (in the Nedbank Cup) that played against Pirates in the last league match which shows you they’re prioritising the league and the champions league,” he explained.

“So, we are going to be playing a wounded team that will play their best available side. That warning is grounded in experience. Sundowns’ rotation was strategic rather than careless, and history suggests they respond ruthlessly after setbacks. 

Rarely do the champions allow disappointment to linger, often reasserting control in league fixtures with authority.

For AmaZulu, the task is two-fold: break a long-standing psychological barrier and exploit a rare moment when Sundowns arrive under scrutiny. 

Playing at Moses Mabhida offers belief, familiarity and crowd support — elements Zwane hopes can finally tilt the balance. Still, the coach remains cautious about framing the occasion as decisive.

“Only time will tell if I’m being honest, we will go with the flow,” he said. “We are a hardworking team so we won’t stop pushing but for now we can’t prioritise finishing in a CAF spot or the cup, we will always pick the best players available for each game.”

Against an opponent that has repeatedly shut them out, AmaZulu’s biggest test may not be tactical, but mental. 

* Smiso Msomi is Independent Media's senior football reporter and host of the Monday Review on our YouTube channel The Clutch