The encounter sets up an enticing KwaZulu-Natal derby, adding extra edge to what is already expected to be a fiercely contested cup tie.

Despite Richards Bay enjoying home advantage, Zothwane insists his side cannot afford to underestimate an AmaZulu team that has impressed throughout the season.

Usuthu currently sit fifth on the Betway Premiership table with 30 points from 17 matches and have lost just twice in the league at home - a sign of their growing consistency and quality.

"It is going to be a very, very difficult game considering the fact that AmaZulu have been doing exceptionally well. That's why they are where they are on the log table," Zothwane told the media during a press conference this week.

"For us, it's going to be tough even though we are playing at home and we have also been doing very well here. Playing at home doesn't make it any easier."

Zothwane, however, believes the Umhlathuze Sports Complex has increasingly become a difficult venue for visiting teams, largely due to the renewed connection between the players and the supporters following the club's return to the stadium after renovations.

"The team had not been playing at Umhlathuze for the longest time, but since we returned, the players understand that they are not only playing for themselves," he explained.

"They are playing for the fans and the people, and that pushes them to give extra effort because they know the supporters are behind them."

He added that the atmosphere has helped drive consistency in performances at home.

"The players know that on matchday they are playing for the fans, and that has made us more consistent. That's why many teams have been finding it difficult to beat us at home."

The winner of Friday night's derby will secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Ke Yona Cup, with local pride and momentum firmly at stake.

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