Arthur Zwane integrating youngsters as AmaZulu search for identity

The decision of AmaZulu to integrate more youngsters into the team excites coach Arthur Zwane who usually thrives when he’s working with young blood.

Zwane started his first full season as the coach of AmaZulu last weekend, and lost 3-2 after extra-time to Stellenbosch in the MTN8 quarter-final.

That was disappointing for AmaZulu as a win would have boosted their confidence for what’s set to be a challenging season for all the teams due to a congested schedule.

Nevertheless, Zwane knows that Rome wasn’t built in one day, and there are instances where they’ll fall short along the way as they usher in a new era.

Usuthu got rid of 17 players at the end of last season, and the departed personnel mostly included seniors such as former vice-captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele.

They’ve largely bolstered the squad with youngsters from the development structures and other clubs such as Nkosikhona Radebe, 24, who was at TS Galaxy last season.

The prospect of working with youngsters has been welcomed by Zwane who impressed during his stint as the Kaizer Chiefs reserve team head coach.

But while he was still at Chiefs, Zwane largely focused on nurturing the talent and ensuring that it’s ready for the senior team.

At Usuthu, though, he has to hit many birds with one stone; make sure youngsters hone their craft, carry the club’s identity and philosophy, and compete for silverware.

“We want to do better than last season,” said Zwane during the Betway Premiership launch on Tuesday. “We’ve refreshed the squad, and we are trying to inject a little bit of energy.

“That’s key because going forward we are going to have these players who’ll play for the club for the next five to seven years. So, if you want to build identity, that’s what you do.

“That’s what the principles of modern football require. But it’s very key for us to do better than last season, and at the same time, compete.

“Why not? If the situation allows, then we have to give our best in each and every game, and believe in the players that we have.

“We have to believe in ourselves, the fans and the management, as the board is trying to make sure that the team competes with the top teams in the country.”

Zwane is not naive, though, thinking that youngsters will carry the team alone. Hence he described the kind of senior players they need to mix with the youngsters.

“When you have a succession plan and require longevity, that’s what you do. It’s what the game requires today,” added Zwane of the integration of youngsters.

“Yes, you need the senior players to guide the youngsters, but we have to look at what value they are adding. The youngsters should also take the game to another level.

“You look at top teams. Last season, I was impressed with what Orlando Pirates did, as a bunch of their players were coming from the DStv Diski Challenge, and were competing.

“So, trust me, it’s still going to be tough to compete against this Orlando Pirates team, because they are building an identity.

“The new coach (Abdeslam Ouaddoou) has come in, and is already doing well because he has continued where Jose (Riveiro) left off. So, that’s how the game should be.”

While attractive football, and winning games remains the standard of the team, Zwane stressed the importance of adding value to the business model of the club.

“There should be continuity. It’s what we are trying to build at AmaZulu as well,” Zwane explained.

“That’ll help so that even if I am not around - because as coaches who don’t stay too long for many reasons - whoever comes in competes and is able to produce and sell players.”