AmaZulu have opted for two head honchos after appointing Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi as co-coaches for the rest of the season.
This decision comes after the Usuthu elected to part ways with Spanish-born coach Pablo Franco Martin after the club’s last league match.
The KwaZulu-Natal-based club currently prop up the Premiership after losing all three of their league matches so far, scoring just two goals and conceding six in the process.
“Usuthu has officially named Arthur ‘10111’ Zwane and Vusumuzi ‘Kanu’ Vilakazi as joint first-team head coaches in a move which will see the SA-born coaching duo assume their roles with immediate effect,” a club statement read late on Tuesday night.
The club are desperate for a turnaround in fortunes when the Premier Soccer League campaign resumes after the international break, and have entrusted Zwane and Vilakazi with the task.
The AmaZulu head coach post had attracted a lot of attention from suitors, and after names like Benni McCarthy and Ernst Middendorp had been touted, it appeared Durban-born Clinton Larsen was the hot favourite.
However, according to SABC Sport, the Magesi FC head coach has a release clause in his contract that Usuthu were not prepared to activate – thus ending their interest in the former Bloemfontein Celtic man.
AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu expressed great confidence in the pair’s ability to lead the team through the challenges of the rest of the PSL season.
“Their combined experience as both coaches and former professional players will be crucial in developing our younger talents and guiding our seasoned players in the task ahead,” Zungu said.
Introducing our dynamic duo! 🫱🏾🫲🏿 Meet our new co-coaches Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi. Together they will lead Usuthu to new heights! 🇿🇦🆙#ThatsPower#HebeUsuthu#UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/nd7IMYL1c4
Zwane has departed his post as the head of development at Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs to pursue his first head-coaching job outside of the Amakhosi.
The 50-year-old mentor will have an opportunity to rejuvenate his reputation as a growing coach after his tumultuous abdication from the Chiefs hot seat two years ago.
Vilakazi will be more familiar with the surroundings, having taken up the post of head coach of AmaZulu’s Diski Challenge side at the start of the season after his exit from Richards Bay.
✍️🏾🟢⚪️ Welcome to the family! We're thrilled to announce Mncedisi Sibiya as our new Reserve Team Head Coach. Let's give him a warm welcome! #ThatsPower#HebeUsuthu#UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/J0CwO4z0nw
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) October 9, 2024
The 41-year-old began pre-season in charge of the Natal Rich Boyz and was tipped to lead the club’s new project, but a disagreement about a contract renewal saw him depart the club before the start of the season.
Vilakazi and Zwane will start preparing for AmaZulu’s tough battle against Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout Cup when club football returns.
Having seemingly held down the fort in a moment of uncertainty, the senior players’ committee are expected to play a huge role in instilling the club culture in the two coaches.