AmaZulu’s Arthur Zwane warns Polokwane City will pose ‘tough’ test

AmaZulu will look to build on a significant week when they travel to face Polokwane City, with head coach Arthur Zwane expecting a demanding Betway Premiership contest in Limpopo.

AmaZulu strengthened their position in the league with a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday. The result moved them to 13 points from six matches, level with defending champions Orlando Pirates, who have played one game fewer.

Zimbabwean forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya scored the only goal in the 37th minute, taking his total to seven league goals in six appearances. He had been named PSL Player of the Month for August earlier in the week.

The win capped a positive period for the Durban club, although the week also brought mixed results away from the pitch.

AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu stood as a candidate in the South African Football Association presidential election, but was beaten 157 votes to 82 by incumbent Danny Jordaan. Jordaan secured a record fourth straight term.

Zwane was also appointed as Pitso Mosimane’s second deputy in the Bafana Bafana technical team. He will additionally take charge of the national under-23 men’s football team, with both roles being part-time as he continues to lead AmaZulu.

The coach guided Usuthu to a fourth-place finish last season and is now preparing for a difficult trip to Polokwane. Polokwane City drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

“We look forward to playing an away game. We are going to Polokwane and it is going to be a tough one. We know they drew (1-1 against Kaizer Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday),” Zwane said after the win over Marumo Gallants.

“They are tough customers. They are not an easy team to play against. They’ll obviously make life difficult for us. So we’re going to go out there and exert ourselves differently to today.”

AmaZulu have a favourable recent record against Polokwane City. Their past four meetings have produced two wins, one draw and one defeat.

The challenge for Zwane’s side will be to maintain their momentum against a Polokwane City team he believes will make the contest difficult, while continuing to keep pace with the leading teams.

AmaZulu remain seven points behind African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played eight league matches. Sundowns moved to that total after securing a last-minute draw away to Chippa United.