AmaZulu's ambitious rebuild: Three things Arthur Zwane must do next

After arriving last season alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi as co-coach, Arthur Zwane now finds himself solely in charge of AmaZulu — a club brimming with ambition and in the midst of a major rebuild.

Vilakazi has moved on, and Zwane is now tasked with steering the ship alone, at a time when Usuthu have made clear their intentions to challenge for silverware and return to continental football. 

A sixth-place finish last season secured them a spot in the upcoming MTN8, but the KwaZulu-Natal side want more — and their decision to release 17 players during the off-season signals just how serious they are about writing a new chapter.

Here, Smiso Msomi looks at three critical steps Zwane must take if he is to elevate AmaZulu to the next level.

Establish a clear and winning playing identity

Zwane has always favoured a progressive, attacking brand of football, evident from his time at Kaizer Chiefs, where he was credited for trusting youth and promoting ball-playing systems. But philosophy alone won’t be enough — he will need to mould that into a consistent and winning structure that suits the profile of his new-look squad.

With 17 departures, Usuthu will essentially start the new season with a clean slate. That presents an opportunity to build something fresh, but it also demands early clarity on tactical identity.  Zwane must use the pre-season to instil a defined game model — one that can be sustained across league and cup competitions and allow new signings to adapt quickly.

Balance experience with emerging talent

The squad overhaul gives Zwane the perfect opportunity to reshape the team’s core. He will need to lean on experienced campaigners such as Bongani Zungu, Tariq Fielies, and goalkeeper Richards Ofori, while also injecting energy and hunger through younger talent.

Zwane’s background in youth development makes him well-suited to nurturing a pipeline of emerging stars. The challenge will be finding that right mix — a spine of seasoned players to provide stability, and enough youthful exuberance to drive the team forward across a long season.

Deliver silverware and return to continental competition

AmaZulu’s strong league finish earned them a place in the MTN8 — and with that, an immediate chance to win a trophy. The 52-year old mentor must treat that opportunity with urgency, not only to build momentum, but also to validate the direction the club is heading.

More importantly, the long-term vision is clear, AmaZulu want to return to the CAF club competitions, having featured in the Champions League under Benni McCarthy in 2021. 

That benchmark has already been set, and Zwane’s project will ultimately be measured by whether he can take Usuthu back to that level. With full control of the bench and a reshaped squad at his disposal, the road ahead is demanding — but also full of possibility.