Zwane On The Top-Eight Finish And Future Ambitions

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane maintained a modest demeanor, refraining from gloating even when recognized for guiding Usuthu to a top-eight finish for the first time in two years.

Zwane saw his side finish sixth in the Betway Premiership this season after securing a draw against Orlando Pirates in their final game at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

This position was unexpected by many, as Zwane, upon his appointment as co-coach with Vusi Vilakazi in October, inherited an Usuthu team at the bottom of the table with zero points, having lost their opening three matches.

This poor start had led to AmaZulu parting ways with coach Pablo Franco Martin, as the club feared the worst and felt it was best to let the Spanish coach depart.

In his first media briefing, Zwane assured everyone within the club fraternity that AmaZulu would not be relegated, and he has, in fact, done more than just save the club’s status.

The former Kaizer Chiefs winger, who will now have a full pre-season with the club, was asked if things would be even better next term with ample preparation time with the players.

“I have always wanted to win since I was a player,” said Zwane. “I still want to win as a coach. That’s all I can.”

Following this success, Usuthu president Sandile Zungu publicly assured that Zwane would remain with the club beyond this season, confirming his charge for the next term.

“It is the nature of football. We always prepare for the following season because this is not about us, but it is about the team,” said Zwane.

“In terms of other things, we will still look at what we can do in order to improve the team. As I said, I wouldn’t focus on that right now, but what was key for us was to make sure that we stay in the top eight. Other things we are going to deal with next season.”

Zwane further highlighted the competitiveness of the South African league: “…But this is the most difficult league in Africa. Orlando Pirates played in the semi-final of the CAF Champions League, Stellenbosch played the semi-final of the CAF Confederation Cup, Mamelodi Sundowns as well [is in the final of the Champions League].

“That alone tells you that South Africa has raised the standards in this world. You look at our junior national teams; they have qualified for the U/17 and U/20 FIFA World Cups. That alone should tell you that, as a nation, if we do things right, we can go far.”

As Usuthu finished sixth in the Betway Premiership table this season, they are set to meet Stellenbosch in the MTN8 quarter-finals away.

This fixture is subject to the league’s scheduling, determining whether the league or the MTN8 will commence first, similar to this past season.