AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane calls for humility after perfect start to 2026

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane was quick to strike a measured tone after his side continued their impressive start to 2026, insisting humility must remain central despite a growing sense of belief within the camp.

Usuthu made it two wins from two this year after edging Marumo Gallants 1-0 in Bloemfontein on Saturday, with Mlondi Mbanjwa’s decisive strike sealing only their third away victory of the Betway Premiership season. 

The result followed last weekend’s dramatic win over TS Galaxy and lifted the Durban-based outfit to fourth on the standings, just two points adrift of log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

While the league table paints an encouraging picture, Zwane was more focused on the performance and the missed opportunities that could have made the evening more comfortable.

“I think we caught them napping for our goal but I think playing down the middle we got three one vs ones with the keeper to beat and couldn’t take them,” Zwane said after the match.

“We also had moments with dead ball situations and couldn’t convert.”

Despite those shortcomings, Zwane felt the ability to grind out a result away from home spoke volumes about his team’s growing maturity.

“I must give credit to the boys, they grinded the result, they fought tooth and nail and left everything on the field,” he added. “What’s important now is to keep our feet on the ground and remain humble so we can keep giving our best, and we will be rewarded one game at a time.”

That call for restraint is telling. AmaZulu have quietly pieced together a strong campaign, blending youthful energy with a clearer tactical identity, but Zwane is wary of allowing momentum to turn into complacency. 

Their recent surge has brought renewed attention and expectation, something the coach believes must be managed carefully.

The challenge ahead will test that mindset.

Usuthu face second-placed Orlando Pirates on Wednesday in KwaZulu-Natal, a fixture that will provide a far sterner gauge of their credentials. Pirates remain among the league’s pacesetters and arrive with their own ambitions firmly intact.

Adding further complexity to AmaZulu’s schedule is the Nedbank Cup, which also looms large at the weekend as well. 

Usuthu were one of the busiest clubs in the January transfer window with the likes of Luyolo Slatsha, Mason Mushore and Brazilian Gustavo Lopes, who are eager to prove themselves. Squad management and mental sharpness will be crucial as fixtures begin to cluster and margins tighten.

For now, Zwane appears content to let results do the talking while keeping his message simple. 

The points are valuable, the confidence is growing, but humility, he insists, must underpin everything if AmaZulu are to sustain their push in both league and cup competitions.