Zwane Warns Rising Star Maqokolo Against Rushing AmaZulu Exit
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has revealed that he is working hard to keep Athini Maqokolo grounded following the forward’s remarkable debut Betway Premiership campaign, insisting the talented attacker still needs time to develop before considering a move elsewhere.
Maqokolo enjoyed a dream first season at Usuthu after joining the club at the start of the 2025/26 campaign from JDR Stars. Before completing his move to Durban, the 23-year-old had been on loan at Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League outfit FC Ravens, where his performances in the amateur ranks caught the attention of AmaZulu’s technical team.
The winger made an immediate impact in South Africa’s top flight, scoring six goals and providing four assists as AmaZulu narrowly missed out on CAF interclub qualification after finishing fourth in the Betway Premiership last season.
Maqokolo’s outstanding performances also earned him four major honours at the club’s end-of-season awards, including Player of the Season, Best Forward, Best Newcomer and Most Improved Player of the Season.
With Maqokolo’s stock rising rapidly, Zwane admitted it is only natural that bigger clubs would begin taking notice of the forward. However, the AmaZulu coach believes it is his responsibility to ensure the youngster remains focused on his development rather than becoming distracted by transfer speculation.
“Yeah, it’s quite amazing that some players come from a third-division side and, in their first season in the Premier League, perform as Maqokolo did and give the team a chance to almost qualify for Africa,” said Zwane.
“So, obviously, when it’s like that, there will always be people looking at players who have performed well. But knowing me, because I was a player myself, I try to help them keep their feet on the ground and remain humble.
“Yes, you might be in demand, but you still need more time. This is one game that can badly expose you if you take shortcuts.
“So, I think he needs another two or three seasons with AmaZulu, and then, from there, he can think about going elsewhere to greener pastures.”
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach also praised Maqokolo’s attitude off the field, saying his maturity has made it easier for the club to guide him through the early stages of his professional career.
“For now, I think he should just focus on himself. He’s got people like us who can guide him on the right path,” Zwane added.
“And the fact that he’s also a level-headed boy is a big plus for him. He doesn’t behave like a player who gets carried away by things. So, I’m happy for him, and I’m hoping that he’ll be even better than last season in terms of his performances.”
AmaZulu will kick off their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday.
Although the fixture was originally scheduled to be played in the Western Cape, it has been moved to Durban after no suitable venues were available in Cape Town this weekend.
Maqokolo will be hoping to build on the outstanding form that made him one of the league’s breakthrough stars last season, while Zwane will expect his rising attacker to prove that staying humble is just as important as delivering on the pitch.
