AmaZulu FC narrowly defeated their provincial rivals, Richards Bay, 1-0 in a Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday night.
Usuthu became the first team to advance to the quarterfinals of the South African FA Cup, after claiming the KwaZulu-Natal Derby bragging rights.
Coach Arthur Zwane and his charges will next start preparations for their big Betway Premiership match against Mamelodi Sundowns, scheduled for February 24.
The Natal Rich Boys, on the other hand, crashed out of the biggest cup competition in the country and will now be focusing solely on the Betway Premiership.
Co-coaches Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane will be keen to ensure Richards Bay return to winning ways when they face Orbit College on February 28.
Darren Smith was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half, keeping the Natal Rich Boys at bay.
The former South Africa under-23 international saved attempts from Thulani Gumede and Lundi Mahala in the 10th and 29th minutes respectively, ensuring the first half ended goalless.
Usuthu returned from the halftime break as a markedly improved side under Arthur Zwane’s instructions.
AmaZulu took a 1-0 lead in the 54th minute when Hendrick Ekstein netted his fifth goal of the season from close range, capitalising on a defensive lapse to give the visitors the lead.
Richards Bay pushed hard for an equaliser in the latter stages of the match and their best opportunity fell to club captain Simphiwe Mcineka, whose close-range effort was comfortably saved by Johnson.
AmaZulu then held firm to secure a 1-0 victory on the night.
Richards Bay 0
AmaZulu 1 (Ekstein 54')
Richards Bay: Otieno, Sikhakhane, Mntungwa, Mcineka, Zulu, Mabuya, Nzama (Mutizwa 64'), Barns, Gumede (Ngema 72'), Zikhali, Mahala
AmaZulu: Johnson, Radebe, Hanamub, Mthethwa, Fielies, Allan, Bern, Mhlongo (Mbanjwa 69'), Maqokola (Thabede 80'), Ekstein (Slatsha 69'), Ngwenya (Kambindu 90'+2).