AmaZulu have recorded a promising beginning to the season, currently sitting in third place on the league table with 19 points from eight matches, which includes six victories, one draw, and one loss.

This represents the club’s finest start to a PSL season in its history.

Zwane’s team is also the only one to have denied the reigning champions, Orlando Pirates, from earning full points this season, with their draw occurring in the match against the Buccaneers.

Their only loss was to Mamelodi Sundowns, but AmaZulu showcased a commendable effort, giving the Brazilians a challenging match, even though they weren’t able to secure any points.

These favorable outcomes have helped to foster confidence among the players, a factor that Zwane regards as vital for maintaining their momentum throughout the grueling season.

“It’s beneficial to be in an atmosphere where you find joy, and the players feel the same. It boosts self-belief and makes you feel that things can unfold in our favor,” he stated.

“So far, everything is going well. We just need to carry on from where we left off in terms of delivering strong performances, similar to what we did last night [on Tuesday against Durban City]. It is crucial to keep securing positive results.

“The matches come rapidly, so it’s essential to be prepared for each challenge that arises. At this moment, we need to maintain our current approach.”

With AmaZulu firmly entrenched among the top three teams in the league, Zwane has expressed that the club’s aspirations go beyond just a promising beginning. He aims for his squad to finish the season on a high note and achieve qualification for continental competition next year.

“It would be untrue to claim that we don’t have objectives, just like any other team,” he elaborated.

“However, the league is a long-distance event, and you can never predict what will transpire as the season unfolds.

“We believe in our potential and genuinely want to compete in Africa next season. As a collective, we are enhancing our profile, and competing in Africa would be an invaluable experience for these players.

“If you recall, in my inaugural season with coach Kanu (Vusumuzi Vilakazi), we finished in sixth place. The following season, last season, we secured fourth. Therefore, we are always aiming for higher achievements, and we need to surpass last year’s performance.”

Usuthu will take to the field again next weekend to face Kruger United in the Round of 16 of the Carling Knockout. They will then shift their focus back to league play on 31 October, where they will compete against provincial rivals Golden Arrows in a KwaZulu-Natal derby.

The upcoming match against Arrows will offer another chance for Zwane’s team to solidify their position on the league table and gain further momentum as they strive towards their season objectives.