AmaZulu determined to end ‘almost there’ run with Carling Knockout glory

AmaZulu say they are determined to turn last season’s disappointment into silverware when they face Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals at Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.

Defender Sandile Mthethwa and forward Nkosikona Radebe said the squad’s ambition extends beyond progressing to the semi-finals, with the players eager to create a lasting legacy for the club and president Sandile Zungu.

AmaZulu’s preparations have been shaped by the frustration of falling short last season. That experience has strengthened their resolve to end the club’s long wait for a major trophy and return silverware to KwaZulu-Natal.

Mthethwa said the pressure of representing AmaZulu was part of the responsibility that came with playing for the club.

“Individually, it’s a lot of pressure because you know you have a job to fulfil the president’s dream to win something for the club,” Mthethwa told reporters during the club’s media open day. “When you sign for AmaZulu, you know there is pressure you need to face.

“But as a group, it’s our goal. Each and every time we advance to another round in a cup or collect three points in the league, we get one step closer. We want to lift a trophy and give it to the president because he truly deserves it, and so does the club. I don’t want my time here to end without silverware in my hands. We want a legacy for ourselves and for the badge.”

Mthethwa also attributed the team’s defensive record to the work of the entire side, rather than only the back four. He said head coach Arthur Zwane’s pressing approach had helped AmaZulu limit the number of attacks reaching their defence.

“It’s not only the defence; what has changed is that we defend as a group, as a team,” he said. “The defending starts right from the front – the attackers are working tirelessly. For us at the back, it makes our job easier because opponents don’t get through to us as often. What brought us here is discipline on and off the field.”

Radebe, who has made progress under Zwane’s guidance, said greater maturity and experience had helped AmaZulu cope with the demands of the campaign.

“When I compare this side to last season, our maturity and experience are on a completely different level,” Radebe said. “That has helped us immensely in dealing with the pressure. We constantly remind ourselves that we cannot repeat the mistakes of last season. We were almost there back then, but now things have to change.”

The 20-year-old said AmaZulu would concentrate on improving their own performance rather than becoming distracted by Stellenbosch FC or the tactical rivalry between Zwane and his former mentor Gavin Hunt.

“When we prepare, we don’t focus too heavily on the opponent,” he said. “We focus on ourselves. We look at our previous game, identify our own mistakes, and spend the week fixing them on the training pitch.”

Radebe also praised Zwane for helping him develop and remain grounded, saying consistency was essential to his progress.

AmaZulu face Stellenbosch FC on Sunday evening, with kick-off at 6 pm and a place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals at stake.