Omega Mdaka relishing AmaZulu move and reunion with Arthur Zwane

AmaZulu FC defender Omega Mdaka says joining the club fulfils a long-standing ambition and has welcomed the chance to work again with Arthur Zwane, the coach who helped guide him during his development at Kaizer Chiefs.

The left-back moved to Usuthu from Stellenbosch ahead of the new season, completing a switch that had previously appeared possible in 2023. Mdaka underwent an assessment with AmaZulu at that time, but the club decided not to sign him.

Despite that disappointment, the defender said he continued to want to play for AmaZulu and was pleased that the opportunity had eventually returned.

“To be honest, I wanted to be here, so it just delayed a bit. I was just unfortunate to leave and then come back again now, but I’m not surprised,” said Mdaka.

His arrival also brings a reunion with Zwane, who coached him at development level during his time at Kaizer Chiefs. Mdaka said that previous relationship played an important part in his decision to join AmaZulu and that the move was consistent with what he wanted for his career.

“I know coach Arthur from development level, so I know the type of coach he is. Me being here isn’t a coincidence. I want to be here and that’s why I’m here.”

Mdaka said he was particularly pleased to be working with Zwane again, while acknowledging the high standards set by the coach. Although he described Zwane as relaxed away from football, he said the AmaZulu manager is demanding during training and on matchdays.

That expectation, Mdaka added, applies to every member of the squad, including himself.

“He’s an easy-going coach as a person, but obviously during training or on matchdays, he’s very demanding,” he added.

“He expects the best out of his players and me, obviously. He’s a top coach, an even better human being, so it’s been great working with him so far.”

For Mdaka, the move to AmaZulu combines the fulfilment of a personal ambition with the opportunity to continue his working relationship with a coach he already knows. His first opportunity to join the club came three years ago, but the transfer did not go through after the assessment.

The defender has now returned to the club from Stellenbosch ahead of the new Betway Premiership season, determined to make the most of the chance he had wanted for some time. He also begins the new chapter under Zwane, whose influence on his development at Kaizer Chiefs has given the pair an existing understanding.

Mdaka’s comments underline both his satisfaction at finally completing the move and his respect for Zwane’s coaching approach as AmaZulu prepare for the new campaign.