Zwane Urges Patience With AmaZulu New ‘Mbokazi’

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane says the club must be patient with young defender Wandile Dube, stressing that his situation is very different from that of Mbekezeli Mbokazi during his rise at Orlando Pirates.

Zwane explained that Mbokazi’s early success at Pirates came in a stable and winning environment, where he partnered experienced players who had already accumulated significant experience in the Premier Soccer League.

In contrast, Dube has been introduced into an AmaZulu side that has struggled for results, having failed to win their last four matches in all competitions.

The defender recently made his league start against Magesi at Princess Magogo Stadium in a match that ended in a draw. He was again named in the starting line-up as Usuthu suffered a 2-1 defeat to Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium this past weekend.

Dube has been called upon after AmaZulu lost defender Kegan Allan to injury.

With Usuthu searching for form, Zwane admitted that the current environment at the club makes it difficult for a young player to settle, unlike Mbokazi, who debuted for Pirates when the team was performing well — a rise that eventually earned him a move to Chicago Fire FC in the Major League Soccer in December.

“Dube has so much potential,” said Zwane.

“He is a rare breed and can become a special player. But we obviously need time.

“With players like him, you don’t want to throw them into the deep end when the team is not doing well, because there will be a lot of expectations.

“You want to introduce him when things are going well so that he can settle nicely. When too much is expected from him, it puts him under pressure, and he may make mistakes that could either make him or break him.”

Zwane added that while Dube has shown flashes of quality, his mistakes are part of the natural development process of a young player.

“You can see that some of the mistakes he makes are elementary mistakes of a young player who sometimes does a lot of good things, but then suddenly there is a bit of a blackout here and there, which is normal.

“That is the only way he can learn.”

Reports have suggested that Pirates are monitoring Dube as a potential replacement for Mbokazi, but Zwane believes such comparisons are unfair.

“That’s where the problem starts,” said Zwane when asked about comparisons with Mbokazi.

“If you look at Mbokazi’s situation, it was totally different. He joined an Orlando Pirates team that was winning and full of confidence, with players like Nkosinathi Sibisi, who is a senior player for both the national team and Pirates.

“He has played more than 200 matches, including international games. Pirates at that time were beating everyone and winning cups.

“Dube, on the other hand, has joined a team that is being rebuilt. We are trying to turn the corner and are under pressure to produce results.

“So the judgement will not be the same in terms of mentality, demands and expectations. Mbokazi could settle easily.

“But if Dube makes mistakes and the team doesn’t win, it puts him under pressure and he might start doubting himself, and that’s what we are trying to avoid.”

Zwane is expected to rely on Dube again when AmaZulu host Richards Bay at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening (18:00).