Amazulu co-coaches Arthur Zwane (left) and Vusumuzi Vilakazi (right) have taken many positives from their team’s match against Stellenbosch FC. Picture: Gerhard Duraan, BackpagePix
AmaZulu co-coach Arthur Zwane exuded an aura of positivity following his first game in charge despite Carling Knockout Cup disappointment.
Usuthu were dumped out of the league cup by defending champions Stellenbosch 2-1 at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday after extra time.
Stellies’ goals from Devin Titus and Andre De Jong overshadowed Tshepang Moremi’s initial equaliser for AmaZulu, but the performance offered a glimpse of the potential within the squad.
It was a match that tested Zwane and co-coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi’s tactical flexibility, as they adapted their formations and utilised their bench extensively to confront a formidable opponent known for its cup prowess.
Having been stretched to alternate deep psychological demands and to use their experience extensively, Zwane and Vilakazi were able to get a look at most of their match day squad together with the demands of extra time.
However, Usuthu showed the potential usually expected from their ranks and responded with vigour to going down at half time a goal down.
With two personnel changes made, AmaZulu looked a different side and quickly found an equaliser.
Speaking after the match at Umlazi, Zwane was sanguine despite their loss, about the different attributes his group showed him on the night.
“Obviously after three losses, the morale in the squad was a bit low so it was our responsibility to raise the morale and make the players start believing in themselves more.”
“I think there are a lot of positives that will work for us and also to start getting the boys to believe in themselves.
“There’s no doubt the quality we have and from the bench as well. The substitutions we made at half-time made an immediate impact, which is an indication of their quality.”
One of the brightest sparks in an otherwise dim wet night for Usuthu was the performance of Richards Ofori who had a debut to remember personally.
The Ghana international took over the reins of the number one goalkeeper as opposed to club captain Veli Mothwa and immediately proved his worth.
The ex-Orlando Pirates shot-stopper almost single handedly took the game to extra-time, raising questions around the position of Mothwa who watched on from the bench.
Zwane explained how having two international goalkeepers would raise the competitive levels and quality of the overall makeup of his teams moving forward.
“What killed his momentum was injuries, when he was number one at Pirates he was doing very well but when you are out at a big club and your replacement does well, it’s very difficult to come back and that’s what is happening here as well,” he said.
“Veli has done very well for years but we have given Ofori a chance and he did well so when it comes to that, it’s a very healthy competition.”
“It can only contribute positively to the teams because everyone will be on their toes to work hard and play because they deserve to play.”