Arthur Zwane backs AmaZulu youth gamble in top four push

Usuthu parted ways with experienced players such as Veli Mothwa, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Abubaker Mobara and Kwanda Mngonyama, placing faith in emerging talent from their reserve ranks. 

With eight matches remaining, Zwane says the younger players have adapted quickly to the demands of topflight football, giving the team a realistic shot at finishing among the league’s elite.

"Yeah, look to be quite honest, it was a case of how are they going to grasp the information, understand it and adapt to the demands of playing at this level, because adaptation is very key," said Zwane

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"Look, most of them have responded positively, and they've obviously surprised us. But we had to have senior players around them that are helping them on and off the field because, you know, youngsters when they are given the opportunity, there's going to be a lot of people talking here and there which causes confusion. They might start thinking that they have arrived. So having the senior players around them that keeps reminding them how a professional player must coduct himself, on and off the field."

The coach added that it was about more than just performing on the pitch if the youngsters are to have staying power.

"The little things that you take for granted –  how you dress as an individual, how you eat – you know, those things count because they start from outside and then lead to you perfoming to the best of your ability without any disturbances."

"So Ja, we are lucky to hve the seniors that we have. We're also lucky to have the support from management, the board, and the president, and also these players grabbing the opportunity. It's always tough, especially this time of the season. It's not easy to come and get points, so ja, hopefully they will keep it that way."

Zwane says he still wants to refine AmaZulu identity with a squad growing together but admits that may take a back seat as the immediate priority is on points in the remaining fixtures.

It’s at home in Durban where Zwane suggests they may try to be a bit more expansive and aggressive, although still in pursuit of winning matches.