Mdaka relishing AmaZulu reunion with coach Arthur Zwane

Omega Mdaka says reuniting with Arthur Zwane was a major factor in his decision to join AmaZulu, after the 22-year-old left-back completed his move from Stellenbosch.

Mdaka worked with Zwane at Kaizer Chiefs between 2021 and 2023, when the pair were involved with the club’s DStv Diski Challenge reserve side. The defender said he did not hesitate when AmaZulu showed interest, despite previously failing to earn a move to the club after attending an assessment in 2024.

The transfer brings Mdaka back together with Zwane, whom he already knows from his development years. He said joining AmaZulu was something he had wanted for some time, with circumstances having delayed the move.

“I wanted to be here. It just delayed a bit. I was just unfortunate to leave and then come back again, but I’m not surprised. I know coach Arthur from development levels. I know what type of a coach he is, so me being here is not a coincidence. I want to be here,” Mdaka told the media.

The defender also praised Zwane’s character and coaching approach, describing him as approachable away from football but demanding on the training ground and during matches.

“He is an easy-going coach as a person, but then obviously, during training and match days, he is very demanding. He expects the best out of his players. He is a top coach and [an] even better human being, so it has been great working under him.”

Mdaka joins AmaZulu after two seasons with Stellenbosch, having signed for the Winelands club in 2024. During his time there, he established himself as an important player and demonstrated his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

The highly rated wing-back made 51 appearances in all competitions for Stellenbosch, scoring once and providing one assist. His performances prompted AmaZulu to act quickly to secure his services.

Mdaka has already begun settling into his new surroundings and said he had enjoyed his early training sessions with his new team-mates. He also featured in the previous game and explained how keen he had been to start the season with his new club.

“It has been a good one if I’m being honest, the training sessions have been amazing. Playing the previous game, I was very happy. I feel like every player coming from outside playing in their new team obviously wants to start the first match of the season for any team,” he said.

The former Stellenbosch player added that he was working to build an understanding with the rest of the AmaZulu squad.

“I’m getting along with the guys, and I’m trying to form a chemistry with some of the players, so it has been good.”

AmaZulu’s next assignment is an MTN8 quarter-final against Sekhukhune United at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00, with Usuthu aiming to reach the competition’s next round.