Zwane on why AmaZulu aren’t talking title despite six wins in a row
AmaZulu FC are third, four points off log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and winning every week, but coach Arthur Zwane refuses to say the T-word.
Usuthu beat Golden Arrows 1-0 in the Durban Derby last weekend, with top scorer Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya striking at Princess Magogo Stadium, for a sixth straight win in all competitions.
But Zwane says African qualification is the only target – at least for now.
“Right now, we don’t want to talk about league contenders, or what. We are taking one game at a time,” he said.
“But the mandate from our side is that we have to go to African football next season, because we have been growing gradually and testing ourselves much better at that level so that these boys can grow and the value of the club.”
Zwane says last season’s heartbreaks explain his caution, and he listed them.
“If you check, last season we hurt ourselves. Last season, the game against Golden Arrows; the game was finished. I think in the last 20 seconds, they equalised.
“Against Magesi, we missed a lot of chances. Right on the goal line and just a tap-in went over the bar.
“Polokwane City, here, we were all over them, and they could not even create anything. But from a corner kick, our goalkeeper handled the ball, and as he was landing, he hit Sandile Mthethwa, and it became a loose ball, and they scored.
“And we missed chances. We went to Jozi against Kaizer Chiefs, and they came back when we were leading; Sekhukhune twice, home and away; they equalised in the dying minutes of the game. Already counted 15 points gone.”
This season however, he says, things are a little different.
“When you compare us this season and last season, now we can hold on; we make mistakes, but not punishable ones. But trust me, once we score, we make life difficult for you. Why? Because there is chemistry; there is a tactical understanding.”
He believes missing out on Africa was part of the plan. “Already, we would have participated in Africa. God mysteriously does things; we were probably not ready for Africa.
“But where we come from position six, try to refresh the team, bringing some fresh members; the chemistry is getting better, and the self-belief and the confidence are getting better.”
Zwane may not be talking title, but AmaZulu are winning like contenders.
