AmaZulu will meet Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup and Usuthu coach Pablo Franco vows to end the unwanted run.
Franco wants to guide Usuthu to the semi-finals and dispatch the reigning champions, Pirates out of the competition.
Pirates will travel to KZN for their Last Eight encounter but the Spanish mentor, Franco wants a good result for Usuthu.
Judging previous results between the two sides, Pirates and Usuthu, the host club has yet to win since the 2013/14 season.
Franco’s Usuthu tasted glory when they beat Pirates 1-0 and that is a major concern for the manager who will meet Jose Riveiro.
WHY USUTHU BOSS WANTS TO END POOR RUN AGAINST PIRATES
Coached by a Spaniard, Pirates are also looking to reach the semis as they have kept clean sheets in their past two matches.
Pirates beat Crystal Lake 6-0 before handing Hungry Lions a 4-0 drubbing in the Last 16, but the Usuthu mentor is unfazed.
Based on this poor run against Pirates, Franco vows to end it after his side was drawn against the reigning Ke Yona champions on Monday.
“We need to change the run against Pirates because AmaZulu have not beaten them,” Usuthu boss Franco says about Pirates.
“And I cannot think of a better scenario than this time to change that.
“The performance of the club is much better than the previous seasons in terms of results.
“In terms of playing style, I think we are creating something unique.”
AMAZULU COACH FRANCO BANKING ON HOME ADVANTAGE
The Usuthu boss who is in his maiden campaign in Mzansi, adds that playing at home is a massive boost.
Usuthu last played in the quarterfinal in 2002 and Franco wants to change the club’s fortunes.
“So it is going to be tough. But I’m happy that we are playing at home…,” adds Franco on Usuthu facing Pirates.
“We are serving a trip, which is important at this stage of the season.
“The good thing is we are playing in this quarterfinal for the first time in 12 years.
“AmaZulu were not in the quarterfinal for several years and now we are looking forward to the game.
“Because I’m sure we are going to have our chances
“Now we will try to qualify [for the semi-final] and we will try to play our best football.”
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