AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane backs squad depth ahead of Marumo Gallants test

AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane says his squad has the balance and depth required to challenge near the top of the Betway Premiership as they prepare to host Marumo Gallants on Saturday.

AmaZulu have made an impressive start to the season and sit fourth after five matches. They have collected 10 points from three wins, one draw and one defeat, with only Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs above them in the table.

Zwane’s team will attempt to extend that run when they face struggling Gallants at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu. Despite the transfer window remaining open until September 22, the coach says AmaZulu will not recruit players without a clear need.

“I think the important thing is to avoid a bloated squad where you don’t even know who to play and how to play them,” Zwane said during a media open day at the Kings Park Stadium outer fields.

“We try, by all means, to manage our numbers. The real challenge comes when you pick up an injury that might take a player out for an extended period. Obviously, then you are forced to beef up while the window is still open.”

AmaZulu made several important changes during the off-season, including the return of former midfielder Siphesihle Maduna from TS Galaxy. Zwane’s immediate focus, however, is on getting the best from the players already at the club and continuing to give opportunities to youngsters who have shown they can compete at Premiership level.

“In terms of the balance of the squad, we’ve covered all positions,” he said.

The coach also wants to ensure that any further signings do not limit the progress of emerging players who remain part of the first-team set-up.

“We’ve still got the youngsters who showed up in previous seasons,” Zwane said. “Because of limited game time and minor injuries, they didn’t play as much, but we believe in them and want to keep giving them opportunities.”

Maduna could provide another option in the coming weeks after returning to team training. His involvement was delayed because he missed most of pre-season and suffered a minor groin problem, but Zwane is unwilling to rush the midfielder back.

“Maduna missed the better part of pre-season, training for only about two weeks, so he still needs time to reach full fitness,” he said.

“He also had a groin niggle that we needed to manage. He has to follow the return-to-play protocol. We cannot take shortcuts, or it will lead to problems later in the season. Anytime soon, he might be available for selection.”

Zwane believes Maduna’s experience of AmaZulu’s culture is valuable both on and off the pitch.

“He’s one of our top players, no doubt,” he said. “He knows the culture of the club and is helping the youngsters and new signees settle into the system.”

Unless injuries force a change before the deadline, Zwane intends to stay with his current squad.

“If something happens that forces us to add in a certain position, we will do so,” he said. “At the moment, we believe the balance of the squad is right where it needs to be.”

Saturday’s match gives AmaZulu another opportunity to strengthen their position against a Marumo Gallants side still seeking its first win of the season.