“Can You Imagine If Moremi Was Here?” – Zwane Laments Financial Gap Despite AmaZulu’s Success

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane says he is proud of how his young side has conducted itself this season.

Despite fielding a relatively youthful squad, AmaZulu have not been involved in a relegation battle at any point this season, unlike last term.

AmaZulu currently boasts one of the lowest average squad ages in the Betway Premiership (approx. 23.4 years), justifying Zwane’s “young side” comments.

Although Usuthu are winless in their last three league matches—drawing two and losing one, against Orlando Pirates—Zwane’s side sits fourth on the table with 39 points from 25 matches.

That tally already surpasses last season’s total of 35 points, which was enough to secure a sixth-place finish.

This is particularly impressive considering Zwane, alongside Vusi Vilakazi, only took charge in October 2024, after the team lost their opening three league matches and parted ways with Pablo Martin.

Last season, all clubs played just 28 matches after Royal AM had their PSL membership revoked for failing to honour fixtures, following intervention by South African Revenue Service over issues involving club owner Shauwn Mkhize.

“I’m proud of these players,” said Zwane.

“So proud. As young as they are, many of them had never been tested before. In previous years, the club had top, experienced players, yet they were fighting relegation.

“But this season, we have never—not even once—mentioned the word ‘relegation.’

“We have consistently been in positions six, five, four, and even three. At one stage, we were second on the log and won three games in a row.

“It looked possible for us to qualify for Africa next season. We still aim to finish strong, and we believe a third-place finish is achievable.

“However, it won’t be easy. The remaining fixtures are against teams fighting relegation and others pushing for the top three.”

Usuthu could surpass the 40-point mark on Saturday when they host Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

It is possible as Usuthu is unbeaten in four of their last five home games at Moses Mabhida Stadium, making the Chippa fixture a significant opportunity.

Zwane added that he would like to keep the core of the squad together for years to come to aid their development, but acknowledged the financial challenges involved.

AmaZulu had been patient with Tshepang Moremi, but Orlando Pirates eventually secured his services. Moremi has since become one of their key players and is expected to play a major role in the sold-out Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium.

“It is possible [to keep them longer],” Zwane added.

“Continuity is everything. Imagine if Moremi was still here—just think about it. Unfortunately, the club was put in a position where we had to let him go.

“Also, the president’s policy—Sandile Zungu—is that when a player is wanted elsewhere, he allows that opportunity.

“Going forward, if we want to compete with the best, we need to retain our top players.”