Latest news with #Usuthu
The Star
12 hours 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
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
AmaZulu wary of unpredictable Orbit College threat in Premiership opener
AmaZulu will open their Betway Premiership campaign with a potentially tricky home assignment against new boys Orbit College FC at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 3pm. Arthur Zwane is under no illusions about the challenge his side faces, despite their opponents being debutants at this Usuthu mentor believes the element of the unknown makes Orbit a dangerous first hurdle. 'This is a difficult match because people haven't seen Orbit and they have seen us,' Zwane explained. 'This gives people hope that already AmaZulu [should get the better of] Orbit. But we're treating this game as we would any other, just like we did with Stellenbosch. 'We will give all the games the same respect. Yes, the approach might be slightly different because we don't play the same; their qualities and ours aren't the same. In terms of how we want to exert ourselves and the mentality, it must be the same.'
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs set contrasting tones ahead of new campaign
New Kaizer Chiefs transfer Siphesihle Ndlovu is expected to play a pivotal role in stabilising Kaizer Chiefs' midfield and linking play in Nasreddine Nabi's new-look side. Photo: Backpagepix AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs head into the 2025/26 season with contrasting ambitions — Usuthu focusing on a long-term rebuild under Arthur Zwane, while Amakhosi, guided by Nasreddine Nabi, aim to end their trophy drought with a reinforced squad and continental aspirations. 📽️🎨💬 We sat down with Odirile-Thato Thwala the winner of our kit design competition to hear all about what it means to see his vision come to life. #PrimoxAmaZulu #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether AmaZulu wrapped up the 2024/25 season in a respectable sixth position, ending a campaign where flashes of potential were often overshadowed by a lack of consistency. Looking ahead to the new season, Arthur Zwane prepares for his second full term at the helm—this time as the sole head coach after initially sharing the role with former Richards Bay tactician Vusimuzi Vilakazi, who departed during the course of last season. Joining Zwane on the technical team is Simo Dladla, the former head coach of Durban City, who arrives fresh off guiding his side to promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Dladla's arrival is expected to bring renewed energy and tactical variety to the Usuthu setup. Last season, AmaZulu finished as the top KwaZulu-Natal side on the table. With many teams struggling to find stability, Zwane will be targeting more consistency in that department, having seen his side drop key points due to lapses in rhythm and performance. The club's transfer dealings signal a clear long-term vision. A major overhaul of the squad saw several regular players depart, most notably Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, as the club seeks to rebuild with fresh faces. Another notable exit was that of midfielder Tshepang Moremi, who joined Orlando Pirates. While the deal may have been financially sound, replacing Moremi's influence in the middle of the park will be a tall order, given his impact last season. Although the current squad may lack experience, it features several promising young talents, including players promoted from the club's reserve side. While instant success may be uncertain, the club's focus on youth development under Zwane's leadership could lay a strong foundation for the future.
IOL News
5 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.'
IOL News
04-08-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Zwane reflects on MTN8 exit, eyes strong start in the league
AmaZulu celebrate scoring against Stellenbosch at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday. Usuthu were knocked put of the MTN8 with a 3-2 loss. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane has pointed to costly turnovers and lapses in concentration as the key reasons behind their narrow 3-2 MTN8 quarter-final defeat to Stellenbosch FC on Sunday. Usuthu bowed out of the competition at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town after a thrilling encounter that saw the hosts edge past them in extra time. The result ended AmaZulu's hopes of progressing to the semi-finals, joining Richards Bay, TS Galaxy and Polokwane City among the weekend's casualties. Zwane, now in his first full season at the helm, admitted the gameplan was clear — frustrate Stellenbosch in non-threatening areas and hit back on transition. For large parts of the match, the plan appeared to work, but sloppy play in key moments let them down. 'We always knew that it wasn't going to be an easy one playing against a well-oiled Stellenbosch team,' Zwane said to the media, after the match. 'But we had to allow them to have the ball in areas where we knew they would not hurt us. I think we did tremendously well. At some point, you could see their frustration.' However, the turning point, according to Zwane, came from Usuthu's failure to make their own possession count. 'The problem we had was that whenever we had turnovers, we actually lost the ball cheaply. The goal that they scored comes from those moments I just mentioned,' he added. 'I still believe that we showed them respect at some point, but whenever we imposed ourselves, we also put them under pressure.' AmaZulu looked the better side in stages in game after taking the league through Keagan Allen and later academy graduate Tebogo Mashigo also getting his name on the score sheet. However, Stellenbosch's resilience — and eventually, Langelihle Phili's extra-time winner — proved too much. Despite the disappointment, Zwane has quickly shifted focus to the Betway Premiership opener this coming Saturday against league newcomers Orbit College.
