Usuthu enter the encounter keen to put a frustrating weekend behind them after a disappointing defeat to Richards Bay. That result denied them a valuable opportunity to climb into third place on the league table, adding extra urgency to their push for a response.

Coach Arthur Zwane did not hide his irritation following the loss, particularly criticising the team's defensive display. He stressed that the lapses at the back were unacceptable and insisted that a significant improvement is required if AmaZulu are to reclaim momentum.

With derby pride on the line and pressure mounting, Zwane has demanded a far stronger performance against Golden Arrows. He believes the team have shown enough quality this season to compete at the top end of the league, but consistency remains their biggest hurdle.

Tonight's clash offers AmaZulu an immediate chance to correct their course, restore confidence, and keep themselves in contention near the summit.

"[It was] very difficult; we fancied our chances against Richards Bay. We thought we would get something...[but]... we looked at how we played, and we were not happy," said Zwane said.

"Now we go to another difficult game against another good, very tactical team. [However], our turnaround time in terms of recovery is not going to be enough.

"The last time [Arrows] played was on the 23rd, so they will come to us fresh, and we are not. But we have to come up with a plan; that's football."

"We didn't come to the party on Saturday," he added. "We were very poor in defence. Two goals were not a reflection of the game. We had chances and failed to take them. We could have done better.

"But the question now is, do we really want to get better, or are we comfortable being in positions six and five all the time?

“We had the opportunity to go to position three and test ourselves against the big guns and see how we are going to respond.”

Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari joins AmaZulu on season-long loan