Both teams are fighting for crucial points at the top end of the table.

Kick-off is set for 15:00, and the stakes are clear. Fourth-placed AmaZulu are six points behind third place Kaizer Chiefs, having played a game more, while Pirates remain firmly in the title race, sitting just one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sithole believes the visit to Soweto could define AmaZulu's push for a top-three finish.

"We have been preparing very well for Pirates," Sithole said. "The mood in camp is great, and we are motivated to go all out because Pirates are our direct competitors for those top spots on the log. We want to give Pirates a hard time."

He added that the squad's focus is now on consistency in the final stretch of the season.

"We really want to climb up the table to boost our chances of finishing in the top three. We don't see anything that can disrupt us now because the aim is to win all our remaining games, starting with Pirates."

However, history is not on AmaZulu's side. Orlando Pirates have dominated this fixture in recent years, going 19 matches unbeaten against Usuthu, with 11 wins and eight draws. The last meeting between the sides ended in a 2-0 victory for Pirates in February 2026.

Pirates come into the match looking to respond after dropping points in a 2-2 draw with Richards Bay in their previous outing. They also face added pressure with discipline concerns, as captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and forward Andre de Jong are both one yellow card away from suspension, which would rule them out of the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs later this month.

Despite the setback, Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has urged calm and focus in the title race.

"I believe that we are still in the race," Mbatha said. "We have to continue playing our game because we have to take it one game at a time. We are running our own race, and I believe that is something we must continue doing."

Pirates' attack remains one of the most dangerous in the league, led by Relebohile Mofokeng, who has nine league goals, supported by Oswin Appollis with seven and Patrick Maswanganyi, who continues to provide creativity from midfield.

Evidence Makgopa adds further depth with five goals and offers a physical presence off the bench or in starting roles.

AmaZulu will look to Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, their leading scorer with six goals, to provide the cutting edge as they attempt to end Pirates' long unbeaten run in this fixture and keep their top-three hopes alive.

Raphael Varane believes heading the ball has 'damaged' his body