AmaZulu poised to capitalize as Golden Arrows hit by Fifa ban

Arthur Zwane and his AmaZulu side have quietly assembled an impressive start to their 2024/25 campaign and now find themselves well positioned to finish the year strongly as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) break draws near.

Despite undergoing one of the most extensive squad overhauls in the league before the season began, Usuthu have settled quicker than many expected and currently sit sixth on the Betway Premiership log, placing them among the most consistent and competitive teams of the campaign.

They return to league action this weekend at Moses Mabhida Stadium (3.30pm kickoff), where they will face a rising but unpredictable Siwelele FC outfit. 

AmaZulu will be eager to respond following their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Polokwane City in their last outing—a result that temporarily halted their growing momentum. Zwane will know that ending the year on a strong note is crucial, especially with the long AFCON break set to halt domestic action until late January.

It has been a stop-start season for Zwane and his charges, largely due to external disruptions. Bafana Bafana’s packed international schedule, combined with AmaZulu’s early elimination from domestic cup competitions, has meant the team has endured long spells without regular match rhythm.

While these interruptions have slowed their progress, Zwane has managed to maintain stability within the group, ensuring they remain within touching distance of the top half of the table.

With the league set for another lengthy pause, the focus now shifts to Usuthu’s remaining fixtures and how they may influence the club’s year-end trajectory.

AmaZulu vs Siwelele FC

Siwelele FC may not have been consistent travellers, but they come into this fixture on the back of an impressive 2-0 win over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium. Their recent performances have shown promise, making them a potential threat despite mixed form. 

AmaZulu, however, have displayed stronger structure and identity this season, even if their consistency has wavered at times. Zwane will be aiming to restore that balance ahead of this challenging matchup.

Richards Bay FC vs AmaZulu

Encounters between AmaZulu and Richards Bay have traditionally been tight, despite Usuthu claiming maximum points last season. Richards Bay enter the weekend’s derby against Durban City without a win in four matches, leaving them low in confidence. AmaZulu’s last away match ended in a 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy, but the short trip to Richards Bay Stadium should help Zwane’s side regain momentum.

Golden Arrows vs AmaZulu

Usuthu’s final match of the year may be their toughest, as they face a Golden Arrows side showing renewed strength under Manqoba Mngqithi in his first full season since his return. Arrows have been one of the league’s sharper units recently, making them a formidable opponent. 

However, with Fifa imposing a three-transfer-window ban—if it remains unchallenged—Mngqithi cannot register any new players, limiting his ability to find another talent like recent signing Junior Dion until mid-2027. AmaZulu could look to exploit this constraint as they aim to assert themselves as KwaZulu-Natal’s top side.