AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane urges patience as youngsters fuel strong start

AmaZulu are still a “work in progress”, which is why they are not getting carried away despite their strong start to the campaign, with coach Arthur Zwane insisting there is still room for improvement — particularly as the club continues to integrate and develop young players.

Usuthu are guaranteed a top-five finish to the year after heading into the AFCON break with 24 points from seven wins, three draws and four defeats. That’s an impressive return, given the club’s long-stated ambition of becoming a top-four side.

In fact, Usuthu briefly tasted life among the chasing pack when they beat Golden Arrows 1–0 on Tuesday night to climb to third on the log — although Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United were still to play on Wednesday and Sunday respectively.

Given all their progress at the start of the season, Zwane was pleased that his side finally broke into the top three at the eighth attempt, but he cautioned that it remains too early for celebration.

“I want everyone to know that we are a work in progress,” Zwane said. “We have youngsters, and you can see some of the mistakes they are committing. They still have a lot to learn.

“The game is a teacher; the only time they can learn is when they are given game-time. They’ll then grow in stature.”

Several young players have already shown signs of development at Usuthu. Siyanda Hlangabeza (23), for instance, has been a first-team regular this season and has played a crucial role in stabilising the midfield.

But Hlangabeza hasn’t done it alone. Zwane has struck a balance by allowing senior players — including Bongani Zungu — to guide and support the youngsters on and off the pitch.

Zwane is pleased that this approach has paid dividends in the first half of the season, which is why he now wants to see the team replicate their strong home form in their away fixtures next year.

“We had to grind, come up with a plan, and hope for the best,” Zwane said. “All we wanted was to win our home games and at least get a point away from home because we are building a team here.

“That’s how you build a strong mentality and winning character — start by winning home games. We’ve done well in that regard, though we lost a game we shouldn’t have lost against Polokwane City.”

Usuthu’s calm dressing room environment, the blend of youth and experience, and the strong camaraderie within the squad have also allowed new acquisition Liam Bern to settle quickly following a lengthy court case between his former club, Cape Town Spurs, and AmaZulu.

Spurs had attempted to force Usuthu to buy Bern instead of signing him on a free transfer after their relegation to the ABC Motsepe League, but after the club failed in its bid, Usuthu secured the player without a fee.

Since joining, Bern has featured in several consecutive matches — something Zwane attributes to the midfielder’s professionalism and attitude.

“As you can see, Liam is a true professional,” Zwane said. “He’s focused and loves the game. I felt sorry for him when he wasn’t playing due to various reasons, but he stayed focused and worked hard.

“He was fighting at training, but in a positive way. I think he’s one of the players who are mentally strong. Even when his energy levels dropped in the game against Arrows, he kept pushing. We eventually had to save him and take him off.”