AmaZulu co-coach Vusi Vilakazi has opened up about his current role at the club, drawing contrasts between his current situation and his previous experience at Richards Bay. Unlike his time at Richards Bay, where he faced the pressure of a potential relegation, Vilakazi explained that there is no sense of panic at AmaZulu, allowing for a more composed approach to their challenges.
In a recent interview, Vilakazi spoke about the calm and steady progress he and his co-coach Arthur Zwane are aiming to instill at AmaZulu.
The club has experienced a resurgence since the departure of Pablo Franco Martin, with the duo leading the team to two wins from their last three matches, including a 3-1 victory over Richards Bay.
This recent success has seen AmaZulu rise to 13th in the league standings, a much-needed boost after a rocky start to the season.
Reflecting on his time at Richards Bay, Vilakazi noted the contrasting circumstances, saying, “We are not in a panic and we have time.”
At 42, Vilakazi has already navigated the complexities of managing a team fighting relegation, but he sees the current challenge at AmaZulu as different.
His calm approach highlights the confidence he has in the team’s ability to improve, without the need to sacrifice good football for the sake of immediate results.
The victory against Richards Bay saw a strong contribution from AmaZulu’s young talents, Tshepang Moremi, Rowan Human, and Ethan Brooks, who were all involved in the team’s three goals.
Vilakazi praised the trio for their performances, yet stressed the importance of further development.
“They still need to come out of their shells,” he said, emphasizing that there is still much potential to be unlocked in these emerging players.
Despite the attacking promise shown by the younger players, Vilakazi acknowledged that the team must focus on improving its defensive structure, even while appreciating their strong use of the ball.
With a balanced approach to both attack and defense, Vilakazi believes AmaZulu can build on their recent successes.
Looking ahead to the final three matches of the year, AmaZulu will be hoping to continue their upward trajectory.
They will face TS Galaxy away, host Royal AM, and conclude the year with an away match against Cape Town City.
The team’s blend of youth and experience, coupled with Vilakazi’s steady hand, will be key to navigating these challenges as they aim for a strong finish to 2024.
