By: Thamsanqa Dlamini

When AmaZulu striker Sthembiso Dlamini takes to the field against Bidvest Wits on Saturday, he will be thinking about more than just his own record and getting a victory for the team.

Instead, he knows that every goal he scores in the Nedbank Cup will benefit children from underprivileged schools across KwaZulu-Natal.

AmaZulu are part of the “Goal For Goal” campaign being run by tournament sponsor Nedbank. Every time the Durban team slots the ball into the net, R20 000 will be given to development schools across KwaZulu-Natal. The money will be paid 50/50 by AmaZulu and Nedbank.

Dlamini said this was added motivation to improve his record as the club’s leading goal-scorer this season.

“It will encourage me to score more goals, as I am aware that every goal I score will make a contribution to other people. I will go to the game with a mentality to score more goals. I will try to score two or three goals if possible, as I know that every goal I score will help others,” he said.

This was echoed by defender Carlington Nyadombo, a man who is more concerned with defending goals than scoring them. But the added motivation of helping others means he could push a little further forward this weekend.

“If I can score two goals that will at least be something huge for the KZN schools which might take them to a level we didn’t have growing up,” said Nyadombo.

Usuthu coach Craig Rosslee and Nedbank sponsors handed over a kit to Lamontville High School for under-15 soccer development at Moses Mabhida Stadium yesterday. Rosslee commended the initiative as an opportunity for Usuthu players.

“It’s obviously a great initiative by Nedbank, and maybe we can see AmaZulu senior players going on to (these schools) to do a bit of coaching,” said Rosslee.

Dlamini said the team was confident of getting a victory and progressing to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

“During our preparations for the game we watched their videos to see how they play, and he coach told us how to counter defend their strategy of striking with tall players. The spirits are high in the camp as we are obviously

AmaZulu coach Craig Roslee handing over the kit to Lamontville High School pupils at the Moses Mabhida Stadium yesterday. Pictures by Siyabonga Ngcobo

looking to win this game,” he said.

Usuthu has been perfoming well as they won their last game against Polokwane City on Wednesday. They are currently on sixth position with 34 points.
Kick off at 15:30 at the Princess Magogo Stadium.