Zwane Credits Self-Belief For AmaZulu’s Record-Breaking Start
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane believes growing self-belief within his squad has played a key role in the club’s impressive start to the Betway Premiership season as Usuthu look to maintain their strong league form.
AmaZulu have enjoyed an encouraging start to the campaign and currently occupy third place on the league table, with 19 points from eight matches after recording six wins, one draw and one defeat.
Statistically, it is the club’s best-ever start to a PSL season.
Zwane’s side are also the only team to have prevented defending champions Orlando Pirates from collecting maximum points this season, with their only draw coming against the Buccaneers.
Their sole defeat came against Mamelodi Sundowns, although AmaZulu put up a strong performance and gave the Brazilians a tough contest despite failing to collect any points.
The positive results have helped build confidence within the squad, something Zwane believes is crucial as they look to maintain their momentum throughout a demanding season.
“It’s always good to be in an environment where you enjoy yourself, and the players enjoy themselves as well. It enhances self-belief and makes you feel that things can go our way,” he said.
“So far, so good. We just need to continue where we left off in terms of putting in a good performance, like we did last night [on Tuesday against Durban City]. We need to keep grinding out results.
“These games come thick and fast, so you have to be ready for every game that comes your way. So far, I think we need to keep things the way they are.”
With AmaZulu firmly among the league’s top three sides, Zwane has made it clear that the club’s ambitions extend beyond their promising start. The coach wants his team to finish strongly in the league and secure qualification for continental football next season.
“I would be lying if I said we don’t have goals, like any other team,” he added.
“But the league is a marathon, and you never know what is going to happen as the season progresses.
“We fancy our chances and really want to compete in Africa next season. As a group, we are growing in stature, and playing in Africa would be a very good experience for these players.
“If you remember, in my first season with coach Kanu (Vusumuzi Vilakazi), we finished sixth. The following season, which was last season, we finished fourth. So we are always aiming high, and we need to improve on last season’s performance.”
Usuthu will return to action next weekend when they face Kruger United in the Round of 16 of the Carling Knockout. They will then turn their attention back to league action on 31 October, when they take on provincial rivals Golden Arrows in a KwaZulu-Natal derby.
The clash against Arrows will present another opportunity for Zwane’s charges to strengthen their position on the league table and build further momentum as they pursue their ambitions for the season.
