AmaZulu target stronger season after winning start under Arthur Zwane

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane says his side can improve significantly this season after beginning their Betway Premiership campaign with a 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch.

Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored the only goal at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday, giving AmaZulu an important opening-day win as they look to better last season’s fourth-place finish.

Zwane was pleased with the result and said the three points would help build confidence within his squad, even though he believes the scoreline did not fully reflect the chances AmaZulu created.

“We really wanted to start well,” Zwane said.

“Sometimes it is not about how you perform but getting maximum points and gaining momentum. Make the players start believing in themselves, because it is not easy.

“To build confidence, belief, and chemistry in the squad, you need to win games. Sometimes you will win ugly.

“We had chances, and I don’t think the 1-0 scoreline was a true reflection; it could have been more.

“I think if we can improve, we can be a solid team. Nevertheless, first game of the season, and we were going to be a bit sloppy. But I would be disappointed if we didn’t get points, and the guys deserve credit.”

The victory gave Usuthu the start Zwane wanted, although he accepted that there were areas of the performance that required work early in the campaign.

The AmaZulu coach said the team’s developing structure and identity would remain central to their progress, regardless of how opponents attempted to deal with them.

“Our structure is getting better,” said Zwane.

“Whether you know what we are going to do or not, we will do it, and we will still penetrate you; that’s our strength.

“When you are building a system and identity, there will be up-and-down results here and there, but we still have to believe. It is like when you are building a house, you have a plan, and no matter what happens, you will stick to the plan.

“As the campaign progresses, we will see whether we are progressing or regressing. When we keep on winning, the players will get confidence, and that’s very important.”

AmaZulu’s next match will be against Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 quarter-final at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

The fixture will provide another test for Zwane’s team as they attempt to maintain the momentum earned from their opening league victory. The coach believes further wins will be important in strengthening the players’ belief while the squad continues to develop its chemistry and tactical understanding.