Zwane Rules Out Title Talk, Target CAF Qualification
AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane insists title chatter remains premature for his side, even as Usuthu target a return to CAF club football next season.
League top scorer Thando Ngwenya struck to seal AmaZulu’s sixth straight victory on Saturday, securing a 1-0 Durban Derby win over Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.
The victory consolidated Usuthu’s third-place standing in the Betway Premiership on 22 points from nine matches. They trail second-placed Orlando Pirates by three points and leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by four, though Sundowns have played an extra game.
AmaZulu’s blistering form follows an uncertain off-season for Zwane, who attracted interest from Kaizer Chiefs, Sekhukhune United, and Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane.
Asked if Usuthu’s form vindicated his decision to stay at the club, Zwane highlighted how last season’s painful defensive lapses forged their current maturity.
“If you checked last season, we hurt ourselves,” said Zwane.
“Last season, the game against Golden Arrows; the game was finished. I think in the last 20 seconds, they equalised. Against Magesi, we missed a lot of chances – right on the goal line and just a tap-in went over the bar and the time was optional.
“Polokwane City, here, we were all over them, and they could not even create anything. But from a corner kick, our goalkeeper handled the ball, and as he was landing, he hit Sandile Mthethwa, and it became a loose ball, and they scored.
“And we missed chances. We went to Jozi against Kaizer Chiefs, and they came back when we were leading; Sekhukhune twice, home and away; they equalised in the dying minutes of the game.
“Already counted 15 points gone. When you compare us this season and last season, now we can hold on; we can make mistakes, but not punishable ones. But trust me, once we score, we make life difficult for you.
“Why? Because there is chemistry; there is a tactical understanding. We make mistakes, but not mistakes that are costly.
“Already, we would have participated in Africa. God mysteriously does things; we were probably not ready for Africa. But where we come from position six, try to refresh the team, bringing some fresh members; the chemistry is getting better, and the self-belief and the confidence are getting better.”
Despite their fine run, Zwane emphasized that continental qualification remains the club’s primary objective.
“But right now, we don’t want to talk about league contenders, or what. We are taking one game at a time,” he said.
“But the mandate from our side is that we have to go to African football next season, because we have been growing gradually and testing ourselves much better at that level so that these boys can grow and the value of the club.”
