AmaZulu set top-four minimum target as Vilakazi talks up ‘ambitious’ Usuthu project

AmaZulu assistant coach Siboniso Vilakazi says the club cannot accept anything less than a top‐four finish in the coming Betway Premiership season, as Usuthu look to turn bold ambition into tangible success in 2026/27.

Speaking at the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup in Ulundi on Saturday, Vilakazi set out a clear and uncompromising benchmark for the Durban side, insisting that the technical team is determined to raise standards again after last term’s campaign.

“When we look at whatever that we have done at the previous season, we can’t take anything less than fourth position,” Vilakazi said.

He was addressing media as AmaZulu continued their pre‐season schedule at the annual tournament, using the event to integrate new arrivals and fine‐tune preparations for the forthcoming league campaign.

Ambitious targets for Betway Premiership campaign

Vilakazi stressed that AmaZulu’s technical staff see themselves among the most driven in the South African top flight, and that their internal expectations reflect that mindset.

“We understand very well what we did in the previous season. We are one of the ambitious technical teams to say we want to do better every season,” he said.

He added that the goal is to challenge at the top end of the table rather than simply compete in mid‐table.

He framed the club’s approach as one built on continuous improvement, with each season expected to be a step forward on the last.

New signings told: quality over quantity

AmaZulu have been active in the transfer market, but Vilakazi was keen to underline that their recruitment has been targeted rather than scattergun.

“When we signed, we were trying to reinforce but not just bringing players that are going to add numbers to the team,” he explained.

The club has focused on players they believe can walk into the squad and raise the level of competition for places, rather than merely boosting squad depth.

Vilakazi suggested that the coaching staff had gone into the window with a clear idea of where improvement was required and had moved to address those areas decisively.

Patience urged as squad evolves

Despite the ambitious targets, Vilakazi cautioned that supporters and observers should not expect the revamped side to gel instantly.

“I think they are going to adjust, we really understand that it won’t just click in a week or month,” he said.

“They are still going to take time but the most important thing, we need to be patient with them.”

His comments underline a recognition that building cohesion between new signings and existing players will be critical if AmaZulu are to realise their top‐four aim.

AmaZulu will continue their pre‐season programme in the coming weeks, with the coaching team using friendly fixtures and training camps to sharpen fitness and develop combinations before the Betway Premiership kicks off.

With a clearly stated minimum target and a revamped squad, pressure will be on Usuthu to turn Vilakazi’s words into results when the new season begins.