Mokwena refuses to use recent form to judge AmaZulu: 'We will not make that mistake'

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena is wary of taking AmaZulu lightly and is not looking at recent results to judge his opponents as the two sides are set to lock horns in the Carling Black Label Cup on Saturday at FNB Stadium.

Sundowns head into the semi-final as hot favourites after winning their last two games, while their opponents are still reeling after a 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates last week. 

Despite AmaZulu showing poor form this season, winning one in their last five games in all competitions, Mokwena believes judging them on their last few games is unwise.

Mokwena was questioned whether he thought it would be an easier game considering Usuthu's recent cup final defeat, however, while he noted that they may still be affected by it, he is not taking his opponents lightly.

"It's a tough one and I'll be short on this," Mokwena told reporters.  

"You are right that physiologically that factor is a factor that influences performance and for sure that is true. But the biggest mistake that we'll ever make is to profile AmaZulu based on their recent results. 

"If we do that we will be in trouble. The way you have to profile AmaZulu in this moment in time is to start at the back. 

"Veli Mothwa, Bafana international. You go to George Maluleka who is playing exceptionally well at this present moment, you've got a Keagan Buchanan that initiates build-ups under pressure from the left and right half spaces... from deeper and higher positions he can hurt you on dead ball situations... free-kicks and things like that. You got Kwem (Augustine) who can score at any time and you got a Gabadinho Mhango and we all know him and his love for this trophy.  

"We will not make that mistake about thinking about AmaZulu and their past