AmaZulu FC boss Arthur Zwane says PSL coaches cannot afford to focus on player development

AmaZulu FC head coach Arthur Zwane says the demands of the Betway Premiership mean coaches must recruit players capable of making an immediate impact rather than relying on long-term development.

Zwane, who is recognised for his commitment to nurturing young talent, said the pressures of top-flight football leave little time to develop players once the season is under way.

Speaking to Soccer Laduma on the sidelines of the Betway Premiership launch on Wednesday, Zwane explained that his priority was to identify players who could quickly adapt and help AmaZulu FC achieve results.

“Once you are a coach in the PSL it’s no longer about development. Obviously you identify talent. Let alone that you are scouting the players that we think can come in and hit the ground running, you know. There is no time to develop. You are looking for chemistry. You are looking for technicalities for you to get results. So, I think so far so good, we just have to thank the support we are getting from the technical team members, management of the club and the board. I think we are on the right track,” Zwane told Soccer Laduma.

His comments underline the difference between identifying promising players and bringing in signings who are ready to contribute immediately. In Zwane’s view, coaches working in the PSL must focus on building chemistry, using the technical qualities available to them and producing results.

That approach has been reflected in AmaZulu FC’s activity in the transfer market ahead of the new campaign. The club have added several players to their squad, including Zambian striker Moses Shumah and former Stellenbosch FC pair Omega Mdaka and Khomotjo Lekoloane.

AmaZulu FC have also recruited Keanan Phillip from Golden Arrows, Gape Morale from Siwelele FC, Ivorian goalkeeper Faveur Kouassi and Neo Mokoena from Orlando Pirates.

The scale of the recruitment provides Zwane with a group of new players whom he expects to integrate into the team while preparing for the demands of the new season. His emphasis, however, is on players who can settle quickly rather than those who require an extended period of development.

The head coach also credited the club’s technical team members, management and board for the support he has received so far. He said AmaZulu FC were moving in the right direction as they continued their preparations.

Zwane’s remarks come after a period in which his future at AmaZulu FC had been the subject of speculation. Despite that uncertainty, the club have continued to strengthen their squad, with the recruitment of players from across the PSL and beyond forming part of their preparations for the upcoming campaign.