Arthur Zwane is keeping the faith after AmaZulu's clinical 5-1 win over Chippa United. With a top-three finish and a CAF Confederation Cup spot still mathematically possible, the Usuthu coach says a "family" bond and spiritual strength are driving their late-season surge. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
If you had to close your eyes and listen to Arthur Zwane speak during Saturday night's press conference after his teams triumphant 5-1 victory over Chippa United, you'd swear it was a religious sermon.
But if you had to read between all of Zwane's mystic football parlance, it could just be a coach too humble to accept the success he's achieved this season. Especially after Saturday's commanding performance, while Athini Maqokola stole the show up front.
With such a young group of players, some of whom even appear to be in high school, Usuthu have asserted themselves among the top four, without contention, this season. Kaizer Chiefs have, however, been a hurdle they have not gotten over yet. Chiefs make up the top three with Sundowns and Pirates and gatekeep the road to continental competition.
Getting over that mountain would allow AmaZulu into paradise or, in this case, the CAF Confederation Cup — which the third-placed team qualifies for. Chiefs lead Usuthu by four points with two games in hand, making it quite a long shot so late in the league.
Fourth place is neither here nor there. While it could be seen as successful, there are no tangible cups for AmaZulu to strive for next season. But Zwane thinks there is still time and believes if the stars align, they will make CAF.
"We are here to compete even though we are playing a lot of youngsters. We still want to focus on ourselves and not put ourselves under pressure and take it one day at a time. If God wants us to go to Africa, I don't see anyone stopping us. Our guardian angels will guide us in the right direction," Zwane said.
"Spiritually, we are strong as a team. We pray together and share a lot of things that are close to our hearts and challenges we go through as a team. We are more like a family with this group of players."
Zwane does appear to have an emotional relationship with his players; it is not all business. You can tell that by the way he hugs the players after they have been substituted and after matches. Maybe his warmth and nurturing touch with the younger team has helped them integrate with the more experienced players and into the league.
"I am really happy with the team we assembled this season. Because when you see youngsters willing to go the extra mile even when their legs can't carry them, that's the kind of attitude we want," he added.
Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch.