Sports / Soccer
Kapini, Amazulu's saving grace
20 Feb 2013 at 07:49hrs | Views
TAPUWA Kapini's recent performances in goal for AmaZulu are sure indications that the Usuthu are determined to break out of the relegation zone.
The AmaZulu captain was sidelined by an ankle injury for much of the team's aimless first half of the season, when they let in 23 goals in 16 games - six of those against Kaizer Chiefs in the opening match.
But since the league resumed last week, he's kept two clean sheets in a scoreless draw against Maritzburg United and last weekend's 1-0 win over Arrows.
Kapini's parry of a powerful Lucky Nguzana header in the 94th minute was one of the more sensational saves he made against Arrows.
"That's why they say goalkeepers win you matches - that save won us three points," said Kapini.
He added that his recent flawless displays had been "through hard work".
More hard work lies ahead for AmaZulu, who are still at the foot of the log with 16 points and must take on SuperSport United tonight at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban. Kickoff is at 7.30.
Their efforts to escape from the basement have been made more difficult by fellow strugglers Chippa United beating Black Leopards 3-1 on Sunday. Leopards moved up one place, with Ajax, who have lost three of their last four games, taking their spot second from the bottom.
Kapini hopes that AmaZulu will prevail if he continues to lead by example.
"I've got my chance again and I need to prove to the coach that I can play and as a captain I need to lead by example," he said.
Matsatsantsa are also dangerously close to the relegation zone, with 20 points. Although they lashed AmaZulu 3-0 the last time they met, Gavin Hunt's side will be wary that Usuthu won 1-0 the last time they played in Durban.
Kapini said his men would guard against United's long balls and dangerous set-pieces.
The AmaZulu captain was sidelined by an ankle injury for much of the team's aimless first half of the season, when they let in 23 goals in 16 games - six of those against Kaizer Chiefs in the opening match.
But since the league resumed last week, he's kept two clean sheets in a scoreless draw against Maritzburg United and last weekend's 1-0 win over Arrows.
Kapini's parry of a powerful Lucky Nguzana header in the 94th minute was one of the more sensational saves he made against Arrows.
"That's why they say goalkeepers win you matches - that save won us three points," said Kapini.
He added that his recent flawless displays had been "through hard work".
More hard work lies ahead for AmaZulu, who are still at the foot of the log with 16 points and must take on SuperSport United tonight at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban. Kickoff is at 7.30.
Their efforts to escape from the basement have been made more difficult by fellow strugglers Chippa United beating Black Leopards 3-1 on Sunday. Leopards moved up one place, with Ajax, who have lost three of their last four games, taking their spot second from the bottom.
Kapini hopes that AmaZulu will prevail if he continues to lead by example.
"I've got my chance again and I need to prove to the coach that I can play and as a captain I need to lead by example," he said.
Matsatsantsa are also dangerously close to the relegation zone, with 20 points. Although they lashed AmaZulu 3-0 the last time they met, Gavin Hunt's side will be wary that Usuthu won 1-0 the last time they played in Durban.
Kapini said his men would guard against United's long balls and dangerous set-pieces.
Source - Sowetan
