Coach credits team growth and management support for strong start

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane is optimistic his side is fully equipped to mount a strong challenge to Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates this season, saying their objective is to improve on their fourth-place finish last term.

Usuthu are one of the best performing teams this season, and they are third on the log table with 19 points, four behind log leaders Sundowns.

While acknowledging it’s early in the season and anything can happen, Zwane said they fancy their chances as they want to compete on the continent in the next campaign.

“Yes, we do have goals like any other teams, but the league is a marathon; you never know what’s going to happen as the season progresses,” Zwane told the media after the Carling Knockout last 16 draw in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

“We fancy our chances. We really want to go and compete on the continent next season because as a group, we are growing in status.

“That will be a very good experience for this group of players. My first season with coach Kanu [Vusumuzi Vilakazi] we finished in position six. The following campaign we finished fourth.

“We are always aiming high, so we need to improve from last season.”

With management giving him full support, Zwane said it is always good to be in an environment where he enjoys himself.

“So far so good. We need to keep grinding results because the games come thick and fast,” he said.

Usuthu will play Kruger United in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout, and Zwane said they will give them respect despite Kruger struggling in their debut campaign.

“These are tough games, considering we are playing against a team that hasn’t been getting results. I think they have won one game, conceded 10 goals and scored one at home.

“The game they won was away from home, and for them to beat TS Galaxy at home, that tells you that they are a good side.

“They have been unfortunate not to grab points here and there. Us going to them, it’s going to be a battle, and we will have to bring our A game to make sure we go to the next round.”