Zwane Baffled Why KZN Teams Are Struggling
Arthur Zwane has explained his decision to join AmaZulu as co-coach, citing the abundance of talent in KwaZulu-Natal and the underperformance of local teams in the Betway Premiership.
Last season, all four KwaZulu-Natal teams finished outside the top eight, marking the second consecutive season of disappointment for Usuthu. This led to the dismissal of coach Pablo Franco Martin following a winless start to the current campaign.
Zwane, who replaced Martin alongside Vusi Vilakazi, believes that the region possesses immense talent and questions why its teams struggle to compete at the highest level.
“I’m one person that enjoys pressure,” said Zwane.
“I enjoyed the pressure as a player, I know what is stake here. A lot is expected from us to perform and also, as I have alluded earlier on, that knowing that I’ll be working with people that I know very well and looking at the structure of the team, the game model, the vision, I think those are the things made me want to be here,” said Zwane, who was speaking behind Kings Park Stadium, the venue he scored for Chiefs against Orlando Pirates in a November 2007.
“Not all of us are going to places where we want to be, it is not all about that, it’s about working. If this (me coming to AmaZulu) should benefit the national, I’m always have been that kind of a person that wants to see people prosper in football, in many ways.
“And this is one province that I believe has a lot to offer, but maybe few things that are not being done right and I don’t know why. But I know there are people who have invested a lot in the game, many people in KwaZulu-Natal loves football so much, they are also committed.
“When you watch some of the games playing, whether it’s Kasi football, they come and support. There is so much talent here.”
Zwane emphasized that success in football requires hard work and dedication, regardless of the team’s location. He expressed a desire to contribute to the development of football in KwaZulu-Natal, a province known for its passionate fan base and talented players.
“I’m asking myself why this province’s teams are not competing with the best, despite having so much to offer,” Zwane questioned.
Zwane, who spent 24 years at Kaizer Chiefs in various roles, is eager to make an immediate impact at AmaZulu. His first match in charge will be against Stellenbosch in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday.
