The young coach has only taken over at Usuthu but he managed to steer his side to the MTN8 final where they narrowly lost to Orlando Pirates.

Since then Folz's side also lost 3-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final of the Carling Black Label Cup at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Reflecting on the game, the AmaZulu boss admitted his side is not yet in the right shape to compete at the highest level.

Folz said on iDiski Times: "I think it is one thing to want to implement something, it is another thing to have the legs and the capacity to do it.

"I feel like most of our players are not training physically. We were facing a team that is good on the ball and on the attack, making sure that plays left, right and move the ball quickly and hold the ball too long.

"The boys, moving a lot, it required a lot of runs to do on and off the ball. If you are not ready, as much as I can give the best instruction that I want – it can come from Pep Guardiola, but in the end if you are not responding, you are not going to do anything.

"I knew this assessment from week one, that our capacity to repeat the effort is low and I knew that coming to face teams that are very much capable of moving the ball that we will struggle, for sure."

Folz added: "That's why I said after eight days after getting a job, our biggest challenge is going to rebuild everyone physically when the break happens."

JASON RYAN

All Blacks senior players passing the baton to rising stars

All Blacks eyeing improvement for 'hell of a contest' against Boks

Editors Pick