Martin admits hat-trick hero Dion gives AmaZulu that cutting edge

AmaZulu head coach Pablo Franco Martin was delighted with the contribution of striker Sede Junior Dion, after the 29 year-old Ivorian’s hat-trick gave Usuthu a 3-0 win over KZN rivals Golden Arrows in the Carling Black Label knockout quarterfinals on Saturday.

Dion struck three times before half time as AmaZulu stunned Mabhuti Khenyeza’s Arrows, who were favourites heading into the game on the back of an excellent start to the season in the DStv Premiership.

“Football is about being accurate in the boxes (penalty areas),” Martin told SuperSport TV after the match.

“(Before) we were very accurate in our own box, but in the opposition box we made chances we couldn’t convert. Junior … could make a difference, we couldn’t enjoy him from the beginning of the season, because he was injured.

“Then when he came back he was injured (again). He is a player with the capacity to score, and once he is fit up front everything changes. The situation of the game is the same, we are still playing good football and defending in the same way, but when you have someone who can score it is easier to win.”

Dion struck early with a low finish, and then produced a delightful chip over the ‘keeper to put AmaZulu 2-0 up. He completed his hat-trick with a header in first half stoppage time as he was left completely unmarked from a corner.

Mothwa keeps out Arrows

Arrows had chances after the break, but they had too much to do, while Veli Mothwa was sharp in goal for Usuthu.

“It was an amazing first half, we defended well, controlled the game, played good football,” added Martin.

“In the second half … we still need to improve and know how to control games … we conceded too many chances, I am not happy (about that) but it is still a clean sheet.

“It was a great night for us as a team, for the fans and for the future of the club.”