By Ayanda Nyuswa
AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane believes his team has been rewarded for the hunger and hard work it has shown throughout the season by securing a top 8 spot in the Betway Premiership. AmaZulu are currently in sixth position on the log and have all but confirmed their place in the top half of the table with one match to go. Usuthu will welcome second-placed Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, as the curtain closes on the 2024/25 season.
Zwane, 51, joined the Durban-based outfit in October last year alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi in a co-coaching set-up, and subsequently took over the reigns as sole head coach in February, after Vilakazi’s resignation. The Soweto-born coach has put together a record of 27 matches in all competitions with 11 wins, 12 defeats and three draws. Zwane believes his team has been rewarded for the hunger and hard yards they have put in this campaign, with a return to the top half of the table.
“We have already secured a position in the top 8, it is in our hands now to finish in a better position,” said Zwane.
“We have stopped tightening our buttocks, doing the minyaring (being nervous) in actual fact we were praying and God answered. Also e are doing a lot of work behind the scenes, we have been rewarded in terms of the players showing consistency, even though in terms of our performances we were flactuating. We showed a lot of hunger we showed a lot of commitment and we have been rewarded by being in the top 8. It is all up to us now to take this story to another level.”
Despite enjoying a hugely inconsistent season in performances and results, Zwane has received the backing of the Usuthu hierarchy as club President Sandile Zungu confirmed his stay beyond the 2024/25 season.
“We think he needs to be rewarded with greater loyalty by us as a team,” said Zungu. That decision has been communicated not only to him but also to the players and the rest of the technical team. Arthur Zwane will be part of AmaZulu Football club beyond the end of the season, that’s a fact and we are very pleased with his good work.”
