AmaZulu consider defensive signing after MTN8 exit

AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane says the club may look to strengthen its defence before the transfer window closes after their MTN8 campaign ended with a 4-3 defeat by Sekhukhune United.

Usuthu were beaten by Babina Noko at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with the result bringing their involvement in the competition to an end.

Zwane was especially critical of AmaZulu’s defending, saying most of the goals they conceded came as a result of mistakes at the back. The coach suggested the club could now explore the possibility of adding another defender to its squad.

The AmaZulu manager also explained why captain Riaan Hanamub has been used in a defensive role. Hanamub’s pace has been considered important in helping the team deal with a lack of speed in central defence.

“Look, we’ve always been saying [this], hence you see we’re playing Hanamub. He’s one of the three centre-backs because we don’t have enough pace at the back,” said Zwane.

“So, Hanamub makes our life a little bit easier in terms of stability at the back. So yeah, hopefully we’ll get one [centre-back] that can help.

“Like I said, if you remember during the week, I said if we get one that we think can come and help, I think we will take them. At the moment, we cannot panic because we conceded four goals.

“But it’s unlike us, we’re a team that doesn’t easily concede goals like this. And yeah, hopefully we’ll learn from this one and rectify those mistakes.”

Zwane stressed that AmaZulu would not make a signing simply as an immediate reaction to conceding four goals. However, he indicated that the club would be open to bringing in a centre-back if the right player became available before the close of the transfer window.

The coach had already raised the possibility of defensive recruitment during the week, and said the club would consider adding a player capable of helping the team. Hanamub’s inclusion in a back three has provided AmaZulu with greater pace and, in Zwane’s view, improved their stability at the back.

Despite the heavy defeat, Zwane said the result should not prompt panic because conceding four goals is not typical of AmaZulu. The team will instead assess the errors made against Sekhukhune United and attempt to correct them in upcoming matches.

The MTN8 exit leaves AmaZulu with a defensive area to address as they continue their season. Zwane’s comments suggest the club’s priority, should it make another addition, is likely to be a centre-back with the pace to strengthen the backline.

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