Latest news with #NkosikhonaRadebe
The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
Usuthu open league campaign with narrow win over Orbit
AmaZulu got their Betway Premiership campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over newly-promoted Orbit College at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Usuthu, still smarting from their five-goal thriller defeat to Stellenbosch in the MTN 8 last week, wasted little time asserting themselves against the league newcomers. The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute when Nkosikhona Radebe's low cross caused chaos in the Orbit defence, forcing goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane into a costly error as he fumbled the ball over his own line. It was a moment that summed up Orbit's nervy start to life in the top flight — hesitant at the back and unable to settle under AmaZulu's high tempo. The hosts, in contrast, played with purpose and aggression from the outset, eager to set the tone for their season. Arthur Zwane kept faith with the same back five from last week, while off-season signing Darren Johnson deputised for the absent Richards Ofori in goal. The defensive pairing of Keagan Allen and Taariq Fielies was particularly solid, snuffing out any hint of danger and ensuring Johnson had a relatively quiet debut. Orbit's best outlet was Monnapule Saleng, on loan from Orlando Pirates, whose pace and direct running occasionally troubled Usuthu down the flanks. But with minimal service and little support, Saleng's influence faded as the match wore on. The first half was one-way traffic, with AmaZulu dominating possession and territory, but the lack of a clinical touch in the final third kept Orbit in the contest. The second stanza followed a similar pattern. Usuthu continued to push for a second goal, using the width of the pitch and the energy Zwane has been determined to instil in his squad. For 70 minutes they overran and outmuscled their visitors, yet the decisive blow remained elusive.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Arthur Zwane integrating youngsters as AmaZulu search for identity
Nkosikhona Radebe's performance for AmaZulu against Stellenbosch FC in the first official game of the 2025/226 season would have left coach Arthur Zwane proud. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The decision of AmaZulu to integrate more youngsters into the team excites coach Arthur Zwane who usually thrives when he's working with young blood. Zwane started his first full season as the coach of AmaZulu last weekend, and lost 3-2 after extra-time to Stellenbosch in the MTN8 quarter-final. That was disappointing for AmaZulu as a win would have boosted their confidence for what's set to be a challenging season for all the teams due to a congested schedule. Nevertheless, Zwane knows that Rome wasn't built in one day, and there are instances where they'll fall short along the way as they usher in a new era. Usuthu got rid of 17 players at the end of last season, and the departed personnel mostly included seniors such as former vice-captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele. They've largely bolstered the squad with youngsters from the development structures and other clubs such as Nkosikhona Radebe, 24, who was at TS Galaxy last season. The prospect of working with youngsters has been welcomed by Zwane who impressed during his stint as the Kaizer Chiefs reserve team head coach. But while he was still at Chiefs, Zwane largely focused on nurturing the talent and ensuring that it's ready for the senior team. At Usuthu, though, he has to hit many birds with one stone; make sure youngsters hone their craft, carry the club's identity and philosophy, and compete for silverware. 'We want to do better than last season,' said Zwane during the Betway Premiership launch on Tuesday. 'We've refreshed the squad, and we are trying to inject a little bit of energy. 'That's key because going forward we are going to have these players who'll play for the club for the next five to seven years. So, if you want to build identity, that's what you do. 'That's what the principles of modern football require. But it's very key for us to do better than last season, and at the same time, compete. 'Why not? If the situation allows, then we have to give our best in each and every game, and believe in the players that we have. 'We have to believe in ourselves, the fans and the management, as the board is trying to make sure that the team competes with the top teams in the country.'
