AmaZulu’s youth revolution: Zwane and Vilakazi lead club’s resurgence
After a rocky start to the Betway Premiership season, AmaZulu is finding its feet under the guidance of joint co-coaches Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi.
The duo stepped in after the dismissal of Pablo Franco Martin, who was unable to navigate the club through its first three matches without defeat. Since their appointment, Zwane and Vilakazi have led Usuthu through 15 challenging matches, accumulating seven wins, two draws, and six losses across all competitions.
Their focus, however, extends beyond immediate results; it encompasses the pivotal role of youth development within the team.
Highest scoring teams in the #BetwayPrem
— Tshemedi (@RealTshemedi) February 9, 2025
1. Sundowns - 35 goals
2. Pirates - 26 goals
3. Chiefs - 20 goals
4. AmaZulu - 18 goals
5. Sekhukhune and Stellies- 17 goals pic.twitter.com/l7wZgJErVU
Zwane highlighted how their previous experience in junior football has shaped their coaching philosophy.
“Look, I think our advantage, myself and coach Kanu, is us being in the development structures, you know, for quite some time and trying to understand how these players, especially young players do things,” he explained.
This understanding reveals a nurturing approach towards developing talent, particularly for younger squad members who might struggle under the pressures of senior football.
One significant player who has blossomed since the coaches took the helm is Rowan Human. The young talent has displayed remarkable improvement, contributing two goals and five assists in his 18 appearances this season.
Zwane noted, “I think he (Human) is one of the players that have responded positively. And we need now to take him to another level, to push him because he can be a player that is very, very important for the club in a very long time.”
Human's ascendancy, alongside the likes of Tshepang Moremi and Ethan Brooks, embodies the coaches' commitment to fostering potential and underlines the importance of investing in youth for the club's future.
This season has been designated as the 'season of young stars for the Betway Premiership with the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mduduzi Shabalala shining at Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, respectively, but Zwane and Vilakazi are keen to harness the fresh talent within their squad.
Players like Andiswa Sithole and Msindisi Kunene are being nurtured to seize their opportunities, with the coaches balancing the immediate need for results and the long-term vision of a sustainable, competitive team.
🐍🟢⚪️ AYIBAAAADLE #HebeUsuthu pic.twitter.com/8gXqOH3pXZ
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) February 8, 2025
Zwane acknowledged, “It’s always good for us to see the young stars doing well for themselves and also carrying the team.”
He further emphasised that fostering young talent is not merely beneficial for individual players, but also essential for the overall success and investment strategy of the club.
Currently in sixth place on the league’s standings, AmaZulu head into the latter phases of the season, the synergy between Zwane and Vilakazi promises a bright future for the team, as they harness the charm and potential of talented youngsters.
Their experience and understanding of player development could well be the cornerstone for a new era at Usuthu as they continue to rebuild towards their infamous ‘mission 2032’.
AmaZulu will now turn their focus towards the Nedbank Cup where they’ll take on Marumo Gallants in the last 16 in the second of back to back games against the Limpopo based outfit.