Ofori Sidelined With Concussion, Zwane Confirms

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has confirmed that their number one goalkeeper, Richard Ofori, will be sidelined for at least a week or two.

Ofori was left bloodied and concussed during their recent MTN8 quarter-final loss to Stellenbosch at DHL Stadium last weekend.

The injury occurred when Stellenbosch’s Sanele Barns, who was scoring the equalizing goal, accidentally collided with Ofori, leaving him with a facial injury. The former Ghana assistant captain was substituted and replaced by Olwethu Mzimela.

Despite taking an early lead, Usuthu ultimately lost the match 3-2.

Zwane stated that Ofori will miss their upcoming Betway Premiership opener against newly promoted Orbit College, which is scheduled to take place at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday (15:00).

This is the second head injury for Ofori in a matter of weeks, as he also suffered a knock during the KZN Premier’s Cup. Zwane expressed concern, saying, “when he continues to have knocks, they can cause damage, so we have to play safe.”

AmaZulu’s goalkeeping options include new signing Darren Johnson, who they acquired from Chippa United. It remains to be seen who will be in goal for the match against Orbit College.

Last season, AmaZulu scored 29 goals and conceded 34. The coach lamented that individual errors were a major factor, which he believes prevented the team from climbing higher on the league table.

“If you look at how the team started last season, it was always individual errors,” Zwane said, noting that they have been working to rectify this by bringing in players like Johnson. He also pointed out that their recent concessions have come from “dead-ball situations” and that the team sometimes “freezes” in crucial moments.

“It is good when it is happening early on in the season,” Zwane added, emphasizing that if they can sort out these individual errors, the team will perform much better.