AmaZulu Target Every Trophy After Dominant KZN Premier’s Cup Win, Says Vilakazi
AmaZulu have sent an unmistakable message to the rest of South African football. Reaching the KZN Premier’s Cup final is only the beginning.
Assistant coach Siboniso “Nini” Vilakazi believes Usuthu are building a side capable of competing for every title available, following an assured 2-0 victory over Midlands Wanderers at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday.
The result secured AmaZulu’s place in Sunday’s final, but for Vilakazi, the performance represented something even more significant. It reflected the winning mentality the club is determined to establish ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking after the match, Vilakazi praised his team’s discipline without the ball and their ability to adapt as the contest unfolded.
“When we were out of possession, we did very well,” he said.
“We started in a medium block and wanted to see how we could turn that into a high press. That resulted in our goals, especially the second one.
“They later forced us into a low block, but we responded well by staying compact and marking tightly.”
Although AmaZulu controlled large periods of the game, Vilakazi admitted his side should have ended the contest much earlier.
He believes the team missed several opportunities to put the result beyond doubt, particularly during an impressive first half in which they repeatedly found space on the counter attack.
“We could have done better in transition and should have scored at least four goals in the first half,” he said.
“There is still room for improvement, especially in the final third.”
Despite those missed chances, the victory underlined the progress AmaZulu are making as they continue shaping their squad for the challenges ahead.
Vilakazi made it clear that winning the KZN Premier’s Cup is only one part of a much bigger vision.
“We came here wanting to play two games, win the semi final and reach the final,” he said.
“As AmaZulu, we want to win every game we play. That’s the mentality we want to build within this team.
“We want the players to believe there is no tournament we cannot win. We want to win everything that is on offer.”
Those words underline the growing belief inside the AmaZulu camp that the club can become genuine contenders across every competition this season.
Goals from Mlondi Mbanjwa and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya sealed the victory and ensured Usuthu’s place in the final.
AmaZulu will now face the winners of the second semi final between Milford FC and Richards Bay, with the KZN Premier’s Cup final scheduled to take place at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
For AmaZulu, the immediate objective is lifting the trophy. The longer term ambition, however, is even more ambitious. If Vilakazi’s message is anything to go by, Usuthu believe every competition is there to be won.
