KZN’s Golden Era? Zwane Reveals Why Durban City’s Success Fuels AmaZulu’s African Dream
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane says he is inspired by Durban City FC’s success in winning the Nedbank Cup, a triumph that has secured them a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
City, in their debut top-flight campaign, defied the odds by coming from behind to beat TS Galaxy 2–1 in the Nedbank Cup final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
In winning the competition, they not only qualified for the Confederation Cup but also became the first KwaZulu-Natal club to lift South Africa’s equivalent of the FA Cup, earning R7 million in prize money.
The remaining Confederation Cup spot will go to the team that finishes third in the Betway Premiership standings—currently occupied by Kaizer Chiefs on 47 points.
However, AmaZulu are close behind in fourth place with 42 points, and the two sides are set to meet at Moses Mabhida Stadium before the end of the season.
If AmaZulu finish third, they could end up sharing Moses Mabhida Stadium with Durban City for their Confederation Cup home matches next season, as Chatsworth Stadium is unlikely to be approved by CAF inspectors.
“That would be great,” Zwane replied to Sportswire at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Monday, ahead of their clash with Lamontville Golden Arrows on Wednesday.
“It seems like this has been a great season for KZN teams. For some reason, all the teams have raised their standards. Even those going through restructuring have surprised many people.
“It shows the direction taken by the owners and the board of directors. These things don’t happen overnight—they take time.”
Zwane, who led Chiefs to the CAF Champions League final in 2021, believes competing in Africa would accelerate the development of his young squad, which has an average age of 24 this season.
“We really want to go to Africa. Based on what these players have achieved this season, they deserve that opportunity—that’s my belief,” he said.
“Africa will test them in different ways and help them grow faster in understanding the game and what it takes to perform at that level. That’s how players develop.”
In addition to facing Chiefs, AmaZulu are also keeping a close eye on their rivals’ fixtures. Amakhosi are set to take on Mamelodi Sundowns, who moved five points clear at the top after defeating Polokwane City on Sunday.
Miguel Cardoso’s side cannot afford to drop points when they host Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday, as they remain locked in a tight title race with Orlando Pirates.
Notably, the last time Chiefs beat Sundowns at Loftus was in April 2021, when Gavin Hunt was in charge, with Zwane serving as his assistant. Sundowns have also been dominant at home, having not lost a league match at Loftus since the end of the 2023/24 season.
This opens a door for Zwane and Usuthu to secure a third place if all their remaining four matches go their way.
“Most definitely,” he said.
“That’s why we are under pressure, and we will always be under pressure. But you have to enjoy it, embrace it, and learn to perform under stress—because that’s what football is about.
“These last four games are a real test and can bring out the best in us. It’s make-or-break, and it’s in our hands.
“It won’t be easy, but we must focus on ourselves. We don’t want to rely on other teams—we want to take responsibility and get the job done.”
