Zwane sees bright future for SA Football and tips Mofokeng as Player of the Season

AmaZulu finished sixth on the log and were part of a tightly congested race for the top eight that went right down to the final day. He also references the three teams involved in the CAF Inter-club competitions.

"From the junior ranks to senior football, South Africa has raised the standard of football on this continent. If we do things the right way as a nation, we've already shown that we can go very far," said the AmaZulu boss. 

READ: Desiree Ellis to explore players diversity in upcoming Three-Nation series

Zwane joined Usuthu from Kaizer Chiefs in October 2024 as a co-coach alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi. He took over as head coach in February following Vilakazi’s unexpected resignation.

Usuthu have since confirmed Zwane’s contract extension, announced just weeks before the season ended. He says the new deal brings much-needed stability as he plans for the next campaign.

"It's the nature of football. We always prepare for the following season because it is not about us as coaches, it's about the team and how the team can improve."

Having climbed from 11th to 6th in just one season, Zwane believes AmaZulu can challenge for a top-four spot next season. But he insists that a shift in mentality will be key.

‘10111’, as he’s affectionately known, also emphasized AmaZulu’s commitment to youth development adding that the youth ranks at the club start at U13.

"When you look at AmaZulu as a club, we have many different age groups and we have our structures in place from U13s. So when the young lads see Mashigo play against Pirates, it encourages them. 

"The province at large also benefits, football in this province keeps attracting young people to the game and it keeps them away from the bad elements of society," amphasised Zwane. 

Zwane applauded KwaZulu-Natal’s ongoing contribution to South African football, noting that many players in the league were developed in the province. He pointed to former AmaZulu player Thapelo Xoki as well as Nkosinathi Sibisi, as examples of local talent rising through the ranks.

When asked who should be named Player of the Season, Zwane was quick to back Orlando Pirates’ rising star Relebohile Mofokeng. He says the young midfielder has carried the team with maturity beyond his years.