Zwane urges AmaZulu to maintain momentum in Carling Knockout

Usuthu’s hopes of reaching the final were ended by Sekhukhune United in the quarterfinals, a disappointment Zwane admits was difficult for his players to accept. 

With the attention now shifting to their Carling Knockout opener against Kruger United, the former Kaizer Chiefs coach believes there are valuable lessons to take from the country’s leading teams. 

"I learnt quite a few things from that final. You never stop learning as a coach and everything I gathered will go a long way for me and the players. You don't get to a final without digging deep and sweating blood while also playing top class football."

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Zwane is expecting a challenging encounter against Kruger United despite the Mpumalanga outfit’s inconsistent start to the campaign. The newly promoted side have managed just two victories in their opening eight league matches, leaving them 12th in the standings. However, Zwane believes their victory over provincial rivals TS Galaxy is enough evidence to suggest that they cannot be underestimated.

"We are playing against a team who have won only one game this season, but they won against a quality TS Galaxy side. They've also been unfortunate not to grab more points in other games, and we will have to be at our best against them as always."

AmaZulu head into the Carling Knockout enjoying an impressive run of results that has lifted them to third place in the league standings. Usuthu have been particularly effective on the road, registering five away victories while finding the back of the net 12 times. Striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya has been instrumental in their attacking success, contributing eight goals in as many matches. 

Despite their encouraging performances, Zwane insists their league achievements will count for little in a knockout competition, where one poor performance could bring their campaign to an abrupt end.