THE first day of the KZN Premier’s Cup saw provincial rivalries renewed, anxiety levels tested and new players on display as clubs unveiled their pre-season signings in Zululand.
First to take to the field at the Prince Mangosuthu Stadium was AmaZulu FC and Lamontville Golden Arrows who played the first quarter-final of the day, giving their supporters a preview of what to expect in the 2024/2025 season.
In the number 29 kit of AmaZulu was Guinea-born winger Boniface Haba who recently joined the club on a free transfer after a stint in Morocco for Botola Pro side Olympique Safi.
The 27-year-old speedster became coach Pablo Franco Martin’s first signing of the new season.
Also on the pitch for Usuthu was Etiosa Ighodaro who will be with the club on loan this season from Mamelodi Sundowns.
On the side of Abafana Bes’thende, Edward Maova made his debut in between the poles following his switch across provinces from the University of Pretoria.
Durban’s popular Menzi Masuku also took his first bow for the Lamontville side following his move from troubled Royal AM.
The two teams battled each other and their fitness levels under scorching conditions in northern KZN and both hit the target in the opening stanza.
A disastrous start for another debutant, Keenan Phillips, saw AmaZulu score the opener inside three minutes as he turned the ball into his own net.
Arrows soon equalised through Lungelo Nguse who latched onto a through-ball and chipped the ball over the advancing Veli Mothwa and ensured the two teams went into the break level.
The stage was set up for substitute Tshepang Moremi to become the hero and he duly obliged with the 92nd-minute winner to ensure AmaZulu’s passage into the semi-finals.
Usuthu coach Pablo Franco Martin expressed his satisfaction at the displays of his new recruits, and shared his delight in their contribution towards his side claiming victory.
“We had to push Ighodaro for 90 minutes even though it was his second game and that was not the plan, and also (Senzo) Ndlovu made his first official start and they both combined for the goal that decided the game, but there’s still a long way to go and for them to get used to the tactics and gel some more,” he said.
In the second game of the day Royal AM needed a penalty shootout to dispose of Motsepe Foundation side Milford FC.
Thwihli Thwahla will take on AmaZulu in the first semi-final today while Richards Bay entertain Maritzburg United.