AmaZulu co-head coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi has expressed deep concern over his side’s inability to convert clear-cut chances, despite securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cape Town City at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday.

While the win provided crucial points, it also highlighted an issue that could haunt Usuthu as the season progresses — poor finishing in front of goal.

Speaking after the match, Vilakazi didn’t mince his words when addressing his team’s lack of composure in the final third.

”It’s unbelievable. Around eight chances we got throughout the game, especially in the first half. We could have scored three or four goals, but I think it was just not meant to be,” Vilakazi admitted, whose side moved to 11th in the Betway Premiership table with 12 points after 10 matches.

Tshepang Moremi, in particular, found himself with three golden opportunities in one-on-one situations but failed to convert any of them. While Hendrick Ekstein’s 19th-minute strike ultimately sealed the win, AmaZulu’s repeated inability to capitalise on their dominance remains a glaring weakness.

The victory lifts AmaZulu further away from the relegation zone and into a more respectable mid-table position. However, Vilakazi remains far from satisfied with his team’s current standing.

”It’s a work in progress. When we came here, the team was sitting at the bottom, and we had to work hard to see ourselves in a decent position. But we are still not happy with where we are right now, and we’ll work even harder going forward,” he said.

The coach emphasised that improving their efficiency in front of the goal is non-negotiable if AmaZulu hopes to finish in the coveted top half of the Betway Premiership table.

For all their dominance against City, the narrow margin of victory serves as a reminder that wastefulness in front of goal could cost AmaZulu dearly in tighter encounters.

While three points offer some breathing space, Vilakazi knows that sustained success will depend on his side developing a ruthless edge in front of goal. They will hope to improve that score when they host Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 4 January 2025.