“He Couldn’t Make It”: Zwane Breaks Silence On Former Benni McCarthy Protegé At AmaZulu
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has confirmed that former defender Samkelo Mgwazela is no longer training with Usuthu, explaining that the player’s prolonged absence from competitive football prevented him from reaching the required fitness levels in time.
Mgwazela had been training with AmaZulu in an effort to secure a second spell with the club and revive a career that stalled following his departure from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Real Nathi (formerly Real Kings).
However, after Mgwazela stopped appearing at training sessions, Zwane clarified the situation regarding the 26-year-old’s trial.
“Unfortunately, as I alluded to in previous interviews, the players we have in the system are the ones we believe will add value,” said Zwane.
“Unfortunately, in his case, he was out of the game for some time. He needed to adapt; he needed to be ready as soon as possible. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make it.
“There is no doubt about his talent. It’s just that we needed someone who could give us something now. You get what I mean? We really wish him well.
“Actually, I had a one-on-one conversation with him. He is a good lad, and he deserves better. It’s just that, right now, we expected a lot. Yeah, that’s all I can say about him.”
Mgwazela originally joined AmaZulu from Golden Arrows ahead of the 2020/21 Betway Premiership season—the first full campaign under the ownership of Sandile Zungu. Signed alongside high-profile veterans such as Augustine Mulenga, Luvuyo Memela, and Siphiwe Tshabalala, the young center-back offered immense promise.
His breakthrough came following Benni McCarthy’s arrival as head coach in December 2020. Mgwazela flourished under the former Bafana Bafana striker, establishing himself as a key figure in Usuthu’s backline.
His standout performance came in February 2021, when he successfully neutralized Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurković to help AmaZulu secure a memorable 2–1 victory at FNB Stadium.
He made 14 league appearances in the second half of that campaign, helping AmaZulu finish second in the table—their highest league finish in the PSL era.
However, subsequent seasons proved challenging. McCarthy’s departure in March 2022 marked the start of a period of instability for the club, which struggled to replicate its domestic success or sustain momentum in its inaugural CAF Champions League campaign.
Mgwazela’s game time diminished significantly following the coaching turnover, leading to his eventual departure.
At 26, the defender remains in the prime of his career as he searches for his next opportunity.
