AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane looking to transform his side even further in the remaining league matches. | BackpagePix
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AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane believes his side has made meaningful progress this season—but admits missed opportunities have cost them a spot in the Betway Premiership’s top three.
Zwane, who initially shared the dugout with Vusimuzi Vilakazi following their joint appointment in October, took full charge in February after Vilakazi’s exit.
Since then, the former Kaizer Chiefs boss has guided Usuthu to seventh place on the table with 33 points from 25 matches—a respectable position considering where the team stood when they took over.
“When the season started, at some point people saw us as a relegation team, but now, we have failed in five attempts to be in position three. Five attempts!” Zwane reflected this week.
“So you can imagine if we took advantage (of our opportunities in previous games), we’re talking probably six points. Those six points would have secured us in the top three spots right now.”
AmaZulu have flirted with the top half all season, but a lack of consistency in key moments has held them back from breaking into the upper echelon of the standings.
It’s a frustration Zwane doesn’t hide, though he remains grounded in the bigger picture which is team growth, development, and long-term stability.
“I always believe that certain things that happen are for a reason. And we are learning every day because the game is a teacher, and our players as well are growing in stature from situations like these.
“And also allowing some of our youngsters to grow because of the investment of the club. So, we’re just hoping for the best and hope that we will be able to grind results.”
Zwane’s reign has seen a shift in both mindset and structure at the club.
AmaZulu have gone from a team struggling to find identity, to one showing flashes of tactical maturity and resilience—even if results haven’t always matched the performances.
Several youngsters have been handed first-team chances as part of the club’s long-term vision, a sign that Zwane is focused on building more than just short-term results.
The likes of Rowan Human and Tshepang Moremi have benefitted the most from the influence of the ‘new’ technical team.
Their next test comes in the form of high-flying Stellenbosch FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday.
The 7.30pm kick-off will be another opportunity for Usuthu to close the gap on the top five and prove they belong among the league’s elite.
While the top three may be out of reach for now, Zwane’s AmaZulu are no longer fighting to stay afloat—they’re building to compete.
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