Zungu: Why We Are Keeping Arthur Zwane
AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu has unequivocally stated that coach Arthur Zwane will remain at the helm beyond the current season, citing the “wonderful job” he has done since taking charge.
AmaZulu are currently on track to potentially finish in the top eight of the Betway Premiership for the first time in two seasons.
The Durban-based club occupies sixth place with 34 points after 27 matches. However, securing a top-eight finish, which guarantees participation in next season’s MTN8 competition, might still be challenging for AmaZulu as they have only one league game remaining.
Several teams positioned between seventh and fourteenth have matches in hand, and victories in those games could push Usuthu out of the coveted top-eight spots.
Nevertheless, AmaZulu’s current sixth-place standing represents a significant turnaround for a team that started the season with three consecutive losses.
This poor start led to the dismissal of Pablo Franco Martin, who was replaced by Zwane and Vusi Vilakazi as co-coaches in October.
However, Vilakazi resigned in February due to personal reasons “that were affecting his job,” leaving Zwane, affectionately known as Phakimpi, in sole charge of the team.
“I can confirm that Arthur Zwane is with AmaZulu beyond this season,” Zungu announced, which was previously revealed by this website.
“That decision has been made; we believe he’s done an awesome job in instilling character into the team. We think he needs to be rewarded with greater loyalty from us as a club. This decision has been communicated not only to him but also to the players and the technical team. Arthur Zwane is part of the AmaZulu Football Club beyond the end of this season. That’s a fact, and we are very pleased with his good work.”
In other news, AmaZulu announced a five-year technical kit sponsorship deal with Primo Sport during a press conference held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Monday. Primo Sport will replace Umbro, who had been Usuthu’s kit sponsor for the past seven years.
Gian Chidoni, Primo Sport’s Managing Director, explained that the brand was established seven years ago out of a passion for sport. He described the partnership with AmaZulu as “a special day for us.”
“I want to thank Mr. Zungu, CEO [Snenjabulo Zungu], the entire [Zungu] family, and the club for the welcoming reception we have received since our initial negotiations and conversations,” Chidoni stated. “We are excited to be part of a brand with such heritage, status, and history as AmaZulu – a powerful brand. The project is truly exciting, and that’s what attracted us.”
The Durban-based side becomes the second team in the Betway Premiership to wear Primo Sport kits, following Magesi FC, who made history by winning the Carling Knockout Cup in their debut top-flight season after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in October.
