Arthur Zwane praises AmaZulu youth as Usuthu climb to third in Premiership

Arthur Zwane is relatively pleased with his youngsters’ progression this season, but maintains that they need to up the ante and grind for results, as most of their opponents are now desperate for points. 

AmaZulu won the second of back-to-back games on Saturday, beating Polokwane City 1-0 at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, following the 2-1 win over Richards Bay a few days prior. 

Usuthu’s victories momentarily elevated the team to third spot on the standings – a position they’ll want to consolidate to qualify for continental football via the CAF Confederation Cup. Zwane admitted after beating Rise and Shine that won’t be easy though. Given the competitiveness of the league, Usuthu will need to do whatever is necessary to secure results.

“It’s quite important for us to win our games,” Zwane noted.

“As much as it’s not going to be easy, even if we win like this sometimes, it’s okay. What is key right now is to collect points. Once we do that, we position ourselves to fight for something better.

"This time of the season is very tricky. We are going to get teams desperate for points, either to avoid relegation, win the league or be in the Top 8.”

Usuthu have been on an upward trajectory amid a change of approach and direction. After offloading several ineffective players during pre-season, they bolstered the squad with dynamic, youthful talent. Zwane maintained that this success wouldn’t have been possible without a balance between youth and experience.

“It was a case of how they were going to grasp the information. Do they understand and adapt to the demands of playing at this level?” Zwane said.

“Most of them are positive, but they have obviously surprised us. We have to have senior players around them who are helping them on and off the pitch.”

One of the seniors playing a role for the youngsters is Bongani Zungu. However, the 33-year-old seems to have fallen down the pecking order recently, making only a 22-minute cameo against Rise and Shine after playing no part in the previous four matches.

Meanwhile, Zwane has been pleased with how the younger players continue to raise their hands, specifically lauding Sphamandla Zikhali’s growth.

“The little man, Zikhali, has got a big heart,” Zwane said.

“He knows how to stabilise the midfield. He knows how to use the ball. He has football brains.

"With the way he’s reading the game, he’ll go far. We are proud to have such youngsters who grab the opportunity, especially at this time of the season where we’ve lost nearly six of our key players.”