Arthur Zwane urges humility as AmaZulu exceed expectations in title race

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane says the team has already exceeded expectations by being in the league title race this season, but has called on his troops to remain humble and strive to compete across the board.

AmaZulu are fourth in the Betway Premiership with 30 points, just five behind log leaders Orlando Pirates, who have two games in hand. Usuthu had a chance to move to the top of the log on Tuesday night, but lost 2-0 to the Buccaneers at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

A top-four finish this season would underline the team’s growth under Zwane, as it would not only realise president Sandile Zungu’s dream of the club being among the league’s top four, but also highlight the effectiveness of the club’s long-term strategy.

Earlier in the season, Zungu and Zwane moved away from their previous recruitment policy of relying on ageing, experienced players, opting instead for a youthful squad blended with a few senior heads as they ushered in a new dawn at KwaZulu-Natal’s most revered club.

Given their progress this campaign, finding themselves competing for the title alongside the country’s traditional big three – Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs – that speaks volumes about the strides they have made.

“I think when the season started, we didn’t expect to be sitting here talking about scenarios where, if AmaZulu beat Pirates, they would go top of the log,” Zwane said.

“We were seen as a survival team, especially if you look at our squad of mostly youngsters, with a few experienced players.

“Here at home, we look at football differently. You are not expected to find yourself in such situations with a relatively youthful team.

“What we pride ourselves on as a team is that we are fighting for honours. It won’t be easy, as we saw on Tuesday night when we competed against one of the best teams in the country. But we still fancied our chances because we are not here to make up the numbers.”

While cautious about talking up a sustained title challenge, Zwane said the club’s focus remains across all competitions, including the Nedbank Cup, where they’ll open their campaign against Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday (7pm kick-off).

“Losing against Pirates was a setback, but it wasn’t a train smash,” Zwane added. “We’ll redeem ourselves.

“We have an opportunity to do that on Tuesday away to Polokwane. That gives us a chance to advance to the next round of the competition.

“The players know the mandate well: we want to succeed. That’s why we are at AmaZulu. We want to make the team better and reach new heights. The team is growing in stature.”

Polokwane City, known as Rise and Shine, have troubled Usuthu in the past, including being the only team to beat them at home – Princess Magogo Stadium – in the league during the first half of the season.

Zwane is well aware of the threat posed by coach Phuti Mohafe’s side and says his technical team has done its due diligence to ensure they leave no stone unturned in their preparations.

“It will depend,” Zwane said when asked whether fringe players would be given an opportunity against Rise and Shine.

“We have already started profiling some individuals and the team as a collective. We are looking at their strengths and weaknesses, their home and away approaches, and how they handle knockout games.

“All of that combined gives us a clearer picture of their approach. That’s football. Whether they change their approach or not is neither here nor there.”