Arthur Zwane open to Nedbank Cup glory after AmaZulu reach last 16

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has not ruled out the possibility of his side going all the way in the Nedbank Cup after booking their place in the competition’s last 16.

Usuthu secured progression in South Africa’s FA Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Polokwane City. Goals from Taariq Fielies and a late winner by Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya ensured the KwaZulu-Natal outfit advanced to the next round.

AmaZulu have developed into a more competitive and organised side under Zwane’s guidance, and reaching the last 16 marks another positive step in a season that has already seen them maintain a strong presence in the top half of the Betway Premiership standings.

The KZN-based club, who have not lifted silverware since winning the Coca-Cola Cup in the 1992/93 season — now known as the Carling Knockout — will see this as another opportunity to add to their limited trophy collection in the top flight.

Despite acknowledging that his team still has areas to improve, Zwane was satisfied with the result and progression to the next round, even if the performance was not as clinical as he would have liked.

“We started very well; we showed intent and eagerness, and we wanted to dictate terms,” Zwane said after the match.

“The problem was after scoring the goal and the red card. In the back of our minds, we thought the game was going to be easy, but it’s always difficult and dangerous to play against a team that is one man down — especially a team like this that is dangerous when it comes to counter-attacks.

“It was important for us to go into the next round, and it would have been embarrassing if we didn’t, playing against ten men from the first half.”

Usuthu once again created several scoring opportunities but struggled to convert them, something Zwane admitted remains a concern. However, he emphasised that the team is still adjusting after welcoming several new players this season and continues to grow.

“We created chances; their keeper kept them in the game, but poor decision-making in the final third entries — we could have done better. This is one game we could have scored at least three or five goals, but it wasn’t to be.

“We are a work in progress. You must have seen today the young (Sphamandla) Zikhali and the young (Andiswa) Sithole came on, and many other youngsters.”

When asked about AmaZulu’s chances of lifting the Nedbank Cup, Zwane admitted it would be special for the club but stopped short of placing pressure on his players, instead viewing the tournament as a valuable opportunity for development.

“We do not want to put ourselves under pressure, but that would be nice for the club — to win something for our people who have been supporting us. It would boost the careers of some of these youngsters.

“Some of them have never tasted glory, and if God allows, why not grab the opportunity? Because those opportunities sometimes never come, and when it’s there for the taking, go for it. So we will go flat out, give it our best, and see how it goes.”