A new era begins at AmaZulu as Arthur Zwane and Vusi Vilakazi step into the role of co-coaches.

Their debut will be a stern test against Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout round of 16 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday night, who are the defending champions of this competition.

The duo takes over a side that has struggled this season, currently sitting at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table with no points after three matches. The team’s recent form has been a cause for concern, with four consecutive losses dating back to the previous season.

Zwane and Vilakazi are under pressure to deliver immediate results, as their contract only extends until the end of the season. The former Kaizer Chiefs coach has assured AmaZulu fans that they are committed to guiding the team back to the top half of the table.

“I don’t usually like to say a lot about promising people,” said Zwane when asked what Usuthu fans can expect from him. 

“One thing that I know for sure, we are here to work. We are here to make sure that we bring back the respect to the club and that is the most important thing.  

“We want to make fans happy; we want them to come watch the players play and support the boys all the time. All we are asking for is your support. With their support, you can’t go wrong and most definitely you get it right. 

“Typically, an example of Stellenbosch, you look at how they started, where they started and where they are right now, the belief and the patient, it has played a huge role in that in their coach and the players. 

“Because they have got similar structures as AmaZulu – from the under eights if I’m not mistaken, and it is working for them and that is what we see as well here.”

Zwane pointed to Stellenbosch FC as an example of a club that has achieved success through patience and belief. AmaZulu, he believes, has similar potential. “As much as we want to hit the ground running, we also need to take the team to where it belongs,” he added.

Interestingly, Usuthu beat Zwane’s former club Chiefs in the first round of the Carling Knockout last season at the FNB Stadium and it was something Martin was always reminding the media about that it was the first time they have defeated Chiefs at FNB Stadium in a cup competition in the PSL. Largely, he appeared to be out of his depth.