AmaZulu co-coach Arthur Zwane explained the motivation behind the decisions to send some Usuthu players on loan transfers, stressing the need for players to add value to the squad. 

Recent reports have informed that Usuthu striker, Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu has started training with Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Durban City as he is poised for a loan move from AmaZulu having enjoyed minimal gametime at the Betway Premiership side. 

The 28-year-old center forward signed for Usuthu ahead of the current season after an impressive campaign in South Africa’s third-tier side, Sinenkani FC where he scored 23 goals, earning himself the Golden Boot for the 2023/24 season. 

Despite an impressive campaign at South Africa’s third tier, the target man seems to be grappling with leveling up for the top tier having only played three games in all competitions since the beginning of the season. 

Unpacking the thought process behind the potential loan deal, Zwane maintained that despite the limits in match day squad selections, every player in the squad is however still afforded a chance to showcase their offering. 

“As you know in football you can only be able to play 11 players plus the reserves and we wouldn’t want to keep players that are not going to add value. Apart from that, everyone is given a fair chance to showcase his talent, and as a club you know right now you look at what we have and where we need to beef up,” said the former Kaizer Chiefs coach.

Mangethe further lauded Ndlovu’s efforts in training but however still justified the need for a loan move, stressing the detrimental effect on the striker’s progress when he is not receiving regular game time. 

“Also, Senzo has been doing really well at training – the only challenge would be that the game at this level and for the fact that if you look at Senzo where he comes from, he has been doing very well. Yes, you are right when you say he was scoring goals and we are with him as well, but we feel that if Senzo is not playing regularly then it also delays his progress as a player,” he further explained. 

Another player who is reported on the cards for a loan away from Usuthu is 23-year-old goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela who has found it difficult to claim the number one position between the sticks at Usuthu, especially after the recent acquisition of Richard Ofori. 

The senior co-coach did not confirm any of these deals but however assured that the club is indeed discussing a direction of that nature, only should their players be afforded sufficient game time for their development. 

“But we are still going to sit down as a club and discuss who we might want to loan out if we do, we get a good deal out there. People that can also give us the guarantee that the players who are not playing regularly can be given a chance to also build themselves up and also get their confidence back and see how it goes,” assured Zwane. 

As formally stressed by chairman Sandile Zungu, the Durban-based club is looking to bolster its squad in order to enhance its competitiveness and it seems incoming and outgoing loan moves are one of their key methods this season.