AmaZulu's Ofori braces for ‘cup final' against former side Orlando Pirates
Image: BackpagePix
AmaZulu goalkeeper Richard Ofori is not entertaining any nostalgia as he prepares to face his former club, Orlando Pirates, in what he's calling a 'cup final' for Usuthu.
The Durban-based outfit will welcome the Soweto giants to Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off), with a place in next season's MTN8 competition up for grabs.
A single point will be enough for Arthur Zwane's side to secure a top-eight finish in the final round of the 2024/25 Premiership campaign.
Ofori, who spent several seasons with the Buccaneers before switching to AmaZulu, says the emotional attachment is not part of his mental preparation.
'Every game is important, and that's how we take them. Football sometimes doesn't go the way we want it to go, but we prepare our mindset and focus on each and every game,' Ofori said.
'Whether it's a former club or whoever we're playing, it's a big game and it's a cup final for us.
'I expect it to be a beautiful game.
'It will be nice to be some of my former teammates, but this is just a football game that we are playing, with nothing added on top. So, our attitude needs to match up with that.'
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The Sea Robbers are heading for our shores, but we're ready to defend every grain of sand! 🏖️🔜
🎟️ Tickets are available at @TicketProSA outlets – secure your spot on the frontline now! ⚔️🪖#BetwayPrem #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/vYG7kYd0fm — AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) May 21, 2025
AmaZulu currently occupy sixth place on the log standings, but that position is far from secure.
A defeat to Pirates, coupled with results elsewhere, could see them miss out on the lucrative MTN8 tournament – a scenario Ofori and company are determined to avoid.
Pirates come into the match having secured second spot in the league and CAF Champions League qualification.
While head coach Jose Riveiro is no longer on the bench following compassionate leave, Ofori believes the Buccaneers remain a formidable force.
'I don't think their intensity has dropped (since Riveiro left). In fact, it's been the same, to be honest, (judging from) the last two games against Golden Arrows and SuperSport. I don't think they look tired,' he observed.
'But at this stage of the season, tiredness sets in and the mindset sometimes goes down a bit because of the fatigue.
'But they won against SuperSport, which means they're in good shape.'
Nah dawg @orlandopirates you really robbed us of a good ending 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾
You hurt us 💔 — Rehauhetswe M (@hauza_) May 20, 2025
AmaZulu have not played since their 1-1 draw against Polokwane City on May 2, a break that may offer physical freshness but also risks match sharpness.
Ofori, however, believes the focus should remain inward.
'We need to focus on our game because at the end of the day, they're still Pirates – no matter who their coach is – because the name in itself sometimes plays a role, no matter the personnel that's playing.'
While Saturday's match won't feature silverware, the stakes are just as high for Ofori and his teammates.
A top-eight finish would represent a significant step forward for a club that started the season on shaky ground and has been steadily rebuilt under Zwane.
Now it all comes down to 90 minutes – and AmaZulu's shot-stopper knows exactly what's on the line.
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