Zwane breaks silence on Bafana rumours
Arthur Zwane has finally spoken. And he’s not rushing out the door at AmaZulu.
The Usuthu coach has addressed rumours that he could join Pitso Mosimane’s technical team at Bafana Bafana.
Earlier this week, it was reported that AmaZulu had already started looking for a replacement in case Zwane accepts. Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi was reportedly their target.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 2026 Carling Knockout last 16 draw, Zwane made his feelings clear.
Loyalty is where it starts. After 24 years at Kaizer Chiefs, he says he felt like “part of the furniture” and was hard to prise away.
“When I got a call from the president (Sandile Zungu of AmaZulu), the first thing I said was, ‘president, I’m willing to join, but please contact chairman (Kaizer Motaung of Kaizer Chiefs), and if chairman agrees, I’m on board’.”
The project sold him. “When he explained what he wanted to achieve and the kind of coach he was looking for, I felt I’m that coach, together with coach Kanu at that time. I felt we’re going to make it big.”
It wasn’t smooth at first, Zwane admits. “As much as we started very slow, we were shaking, but we grew in stature.
“We grew with the team, and the president gave us that freedom to grow with the players, to understand the environment as well.”
Now he says the support is “second to none,” from fans, management, the board and the CEO. That’s why a move to Bafana is no simple choice.
“It’s not going to be an easy decision for me to just say tomorrow I want to move, you get what I mean. Only time will tell, but trust me, I’m enjoying myself. I’m growing.”
Then came the line that may calm AmaZulu supporters: “This is a challenge I needed as a coach.”
He hasn’t ruled out a move, and he hasn’t said yes either. But for now, Zwane’s focus is on finishing what he started at Usuthu.
