Arthur Zwane 'proud' of AmaZulu progress despite missing out on Top 3

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane seems content with a fourth-place finish in the Betway Premiership, despite just missing out on the continental benefits that come with the Top 3. 

Zwane spoke to the media on Wednesday ahead of their encounter against Kazier Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). "10111" said he was grateful that such a young squad managed to sustain their position for such a long time, given that many players in the team had never played elite division football before.

Their fourth-spot finish, however, is not yet assured as Sekhukhune United trail them by just two points — and AmaZulu have a couple of difficult games still left to play against Chiefs this weekend and Durban City a week later. 

"I've always said if we had to measure squad value, we are good for where we are," said Zwane.

"We've got boys in this team that have not been in this position in the past, fighting for honours. You can't just wake up and get to the Top 3. You’ve got to get there step-by-step.

"We've maintained fourth position and tried to protect it. We've been here for quite some time and this hasn't happened to us in a long time. That's why I don't like comparing to other seasons. We have to look at the current squad we have assembled and not compare it to our other results.

"For that, I will always give this group of players credit and respect. Some of them are from the National First Division, and nobody gave them a chance. So, as the head coach, I am proud."

Heading into Saturday's match, Zwane said there is no such thing as an easy game at this late stage of the season. Chiefs, who have already confirmed a third-place finish and CAF Confederation Cup qualification for next season, will be looking to take the win, even though they have no chance of catching up to Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

While AmaZulu miss out on the roughly R7 million minimum windfall associated with CAF group stage qualification, Zwane believes his team have the motivation and enough preparation this season for the challenge ahead.

"I think we did good this season to build character in our team. The team has shown their character. We were behind in some games and then came back to win in the dying minutes of the game. Now they've got to rise to the occasion," Zwane concluded.