New AmaZulu co-coach Arthur Zwane has opened up about the personal toll that his time as Kaizer Chiefs coach took on his family.

Zwane, who was appointed to the role in 2022, faced significant pressure and criticism during his tenure. Despite leading Chiefs to a fifth-place finish in the Betway Premiership and achieving victories over their rivals, Orlando Pirates, Zwane was subjected to verbal abuse and even physical threats from some fans.

His successor, Molefi Ntseki, also experienced a similar hostile environment, leading to his dismissal just a few months into the job.

Zwane, who was appointed alongside Vusi Vilakazi to be the co-coach, admitted that the negative experiences affected his family, particularly his children, but he has since recovered and is eager to contribute to AmaZulu’s success.

“Obviously after I was redeployed, I think I needed a break,” said Zwane when he was asked by Sportswire on Wednesday.

“But obviously I was working with young ones, leading all the divisions there, trying to align things, I think that kind of revived my energy. 

“That helped big time. So, about what people were saying, that is part of the game. I don’t take it personnel because I understand it comes with a package as everyone has different opinion and we respect that. 

“We must know that people invest their emotions in the game. So, it is not because they disrespect or they hate you or something, so it comes with the package. 

Zwane emphasized the importance of educating his children about the realities of professional football and the need to support their father regardless of the team’s performance.

“The only people got affected more, but if you don’t try to make them aware, are your kids,” he said.  

“So, it affected my kids, but not me because I have been in the game for many years. I had to make them aware of the situation that ‘this is where your father is, and you have to go to understand’. 

“Either you stay away from them, or you just support them because you love the game. If your father wins, you are also celebrating. So, now it comes with this when results when they are not forthcoming.”  

AmaZulu’s first match under Zwane’s co-coaching will be the Carling Knockout round of 16 against Stellenbosch at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday.