Zwane urges AmaZulu to finish strong in Top Four race

Usuthu head into the last round of the 2025/26 campaign sitting fourth on the table and remain in control of their destiny in the race for a top-four finish. 

A victory would guarantee them a place among the league’s top sides, while any slip-up could open the door for Sekhukhune United FC to move ahead should they collect maximum points in their fixture against Siwelele FC.

AmaZulu chairman Sandile Zungu has repeatedly stressed the importance of finishing inside the top four, describing it as a benchmark that reflects the club’s ambitions of consistently competing with the country’s leading teams. 

Zwane admits his players will have to remain focused and disciplined against a Durban City side also eager to end their season on a high.

"We just have to get over the last hurdle which will be a very tough game against Durban City. Everyone wants to finish the season on a high and they are no easy customers. We are going to have to dig deep in order to collect maximum points."

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AmaZulu have spent a significant portion of the second half of the season inside the Premiership’s top four and at one stage even looked capable of pushing for a top-three finish. 

Their consistency through March and April lifted expectations around the club before a series of disappointing results saw them lose momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Among the setbacks was the recent narrow defeat to Kaizer Chiefs, a result Zwane believes dealt a major blow to their hopes of securing fourth place earlier.

"We've had our ups and downs this season, and just like our last game, there's many other games that we could've easily collected maximum points from, but it wasn't to be.

"We can still be really proud of ourselves - especially the boys."

Zwane admits AmaZulu are disappointed to still be relying on the final weekend to secure their top-four ambitions after putting themselves in a strong position earlier in the season. The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor says his side had opportunities to cement their place but failed to fully capitalise when it mattered most.

Looking beyond the current campaign, Zwane believes AmaZulu are building a solid foundation that can help the club challenge even more next season. 

The coach also highlighted the progress of several younger players within the squad, adding that the club intends to continue investing in youth development.