AmaZulu target continental football after strong start, says Zwane

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane believes his side can challenge Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates this season as they pursue a finish higher than fourth place in the previous campaign.

Usuthu have made one of the strongest starts to the season and currently sit third on the log with 19 points, four behind leaders Sundowns.

Zwane accepts that the campaign remains at an early stage and that the situation can change, but says AmaZulu are confident of competing for a place in next season’s continental competitions.

“Yes, we do have goals like any other teams, but the league is a marathon; you never know what’s going to happen as the season progresses,” Zwane told the media after the Carling Knockout last 16 draw in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

“We fancy our chances. We really want to go and compete on the continent next season because as a group, we are growing in status.

“That will be a very good experience for this group of players. My first season with coach Kanu [Vusumuzi Vilakazi] we finished in position six. The following campaign we finished fourth.

“We are always aiming high, so we need to improve from last season.”

The coach also said he had received full backing from the club’s management and was enjoying working in his current environment.

“So far, so good. We need to keep grinding results because the games come thick and fast,” he said.

AmaZulu will next face Kruger United in the last 16 of the Carling Knockout. Although Kruger have struggled for results during their debut campaign, Zwane said his team would not underestimate them.

“These are tough games, considering we are playing against a team that hasn’t been getting results. I think they have won one game, conceded 10 goals and scored one at home,” he said.

Kruger’s only victory came away from home, against TS Galaxy. Zwane believes that result shows they remain capable of causing problems despite their difficult start.

“The game they won was away from home, and for them to beat TS Galaxy at home, that tells you that they are a good side. They have been unfortunate not to grab points here and there,” he said.

“Us going to them, it’s going to be a battle and we will have to bring our A-game to make sure we go to the next round.”