Zwane Addresses Vilakazi’s Departure & Team’s Future

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has acknowledged the impact of Vusi Vilakazi following his departure on Tuesday.

Vilakazi, who was appointed alongside Zwane as co-coaches in October, left the club two days ago after it was determined that he had a serious issue affecting his work.

Following Vilakazi and AmaZulu’s decision to part ways, Zwane has been given sole charge of the club until the end of the season.

Zwane, like Vilakazi, was initially contracted until the end of the season by AmaZulu management.

“Losing one of our important members, it is always going to be critical for any organisation,” said Zwane on Thursday. 

“At the end of the day, we have to carry on with work. He played a huge role, did very well and we all know coach Kanu. 

“He has been in the league for quite some time. The good thing about it, not a good thing that he has left, what I’m trying to say is, he has left something behind in terms of understanding because we worked together very well. 

“We were always on the same boat in terms of what we wanted to achieve at the club. The good thing as well – having someone like coach Sboniso Vilakazi (assistant coach), he is equal to the task. 

“So, I think on that department, we are still covered in terms of the man-power. But for now, it is about focusing more on the games that upcoming for us because it’s going to be a test.”

AmaZulu, who have won their last three home league matches, will host Cape Town City at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday (15:30).

“After this game, we are traveling to Pretoria (to play against SuperSport United on 5 March), that game might be played in Polokwane (as SuperSport play some games there as alternative venue), it will take a lot from us,” continued Zwane.  

“From there, there is Mamelodi Sundowns (on 11 March). You can see now we have to manage the players, the traveling in between. The demands at this level are going to be much higher than in the past because the games are coming thick and fast going to the international break. 

“We also want to consolidate our position in the top eight for now because we have set ourselves goals. So, it is not going to be easy thing, we going to dig deep all the time in order for us to be amongst competing teams out there in the top eight, top three, top four.  

“So, that is very key for us to focus and remain calm more especially winning games, keeping our feet on the ground and focused on the job at hand.”  

AmaZulu, who moved to fifth place after defeating Magesi last weekend, have since dropped to sixth place after Stellenbosch defeated Magesi on Tuesday.