Zwane: The Generous Givers of Presents

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has acknowledged that their aspirations for a top-four finish are diminishing.

This realization comes on the heels of Usuthu’s third consecutive league defeat, a 2-1 loss to Chippa United at Buffalo City Municipality Stadium last Saturday.

Despite this disappointment, AmaZulu remains in the top eight, currently positioned seventh in the Betway Premiership standings with 30 points accumulated from 24 matches.

Although Zwane originally aimed for a top-four finish, he now perceives that their ongoing defeats jeopardize this objective.

“We needed to beat Chippa and reinforce our standing in the top eight,” Zwane commented.

“If you evaluate the last four matches we’ve played and take note of the goals we’ve conceded, they bear a striking resemblance. We are putting ourselves under pressure by allowing Chippa to gain ground on us. If we fail to win the next match, we risk falling out of the top eight,” he continued.

“While our target is a fourth-place finish, it seems like our prospects are slipping away as we continue to hinder ourselves.”

He attributes the goals conceded this season to avoidable errors.

Usuthu has scored 27 goals but has also conceded 32, resulting in a goal difference of minus five.

“We are allowing goals that should not be, stemming from our own mistakes—losing possession too easily and subsequently conceding,” he admitted.

“This has been the theme of our season; just review all the goals we’ve surrendered. We are gifting goals to all these opponents.”

Usuthu’s latest defeat marked their 12th of the season, with only nine wins from 24 matches, keeping them in seventh place.

The Durban-based team will look to restore their winning momentum when they face Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday at 19:30, following their previous 3-1 victory in their last encounter.

Article by Kamogelo Ndlovu