Arthur Zwane grateful for AmaZulu opportunity after challenging Kaizer Chiefs tenure
Arthur Zwane AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane in the thick of things in training with his squad in Polokwane. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Arthur Zwane has been handed a fresh opportunity to solidify his place in South African football's coaching elite – and he's not taking it for granted.
AmaZulu confirmed this month that the 51-year-old mentor will continue at the helm next season after arriving in October 2024 under challenging circumstances.
Zwane, who previously coached Kaizer Chiefs, is now steering Usuthu towards a top-eight finish in the Premiership.
His coaching career seemed in limbo following a dramatic exit at Chiefs.
After being promoted to head coach two seasons ago, things spiralled out of control, with fan unrest culminating in missiles being hurled at him during matches.
Zwane was removed at the end of that campaign despite a fifth-place finish and redeployed to the club's development structures.
But Usuthu saw something others may have overlooked.
Zwane arrived in Durban alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi after Pablo Franco Martin was sacked early in the season.
The two initially served as co-coaches, enduring a rocky start that included losses to Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout and Orlando Pirates in the league.
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Momentum picked up with a 2-0 win over Chippa United – their first under the new duo.
Then came another twist.
Vilakazi resigned in February, leaving Zwane solely in charge.
Since taking over full responsibility, he has led AmaZulu in nine matches, winning three, drawing two and losing four.
Now, with his future confirmed, Zwane has broken his silence on what the opportunity means to him.
'I'd like to thank the management of AmaZulu and the president in particular for giving me a lifeline for me to revive my career,' he said.
'It's all up to me now to ensure that I take it to another level not because I want to prove a point to other people... I'm not here to prove points but rather to do my job.
'I chose to be a coach, and now I have to behave like a coach and give my best wherever I go.'
The club, known for backing emerging coaches, has embraced Zwane's philosophy and allowed him to gradually implement his style.
'Ever since we took over with Coach Kanu, we had a long-term plan, even though we knew it would be dependent on results,' he added.
'We want to thank the president for the chance to stay longer and showcase our talents as coaches.
'AmaZulu is a club that gives so-called inexperienced coaches a chance, and this time, it has worked wonders – but it's also had its challenges.
'We embrace the opportunity, and the fact that it's a project means we have time to implement our way of doing things.'
Zwane's first full season in charge will begin after Saturday's clash against Orlando Pirates – one of his former clubs – at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (3pm kick-off).
A top-eight finish would be the perfect way to cap a season that began in turmoil, but could end in redemption.
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