AmaZulu’s Athini Maqokola warned of greater pressure after breakthrough season

AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane has told Athini Maqokola that the attacking midfielder will face significantly greater expectations after an impressive first campaign with the club.

Maqokola, 21, joined AmaZulu at the beginning of the 2025/26 season and quickly established himself as an important member of Zwane’s side. He ended the campaign with six goals and four assists across all competitions.

His performances earned him four individual honours at the club’s end-of-season awards. Maqokola was named AmaZulu’s Player of the Season, Most Improved Player, Best Newcomer and Best Forward.

He was also rewarded with a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport after being voted the 2025 Usuthu Player of the Season. The vehicle will remain in his possession for three months.

However, Zwane has used the midfielder’s success to stress that recognition brings added responsibility. The AmaZulu coach believes opponents, team-mates and others within the game will now assess Maqokola differently.

Zwane said the player must understand that his development is not only part of AmaZulu’s plans but also a personal responsibility, with the challenge expected to be more demanding in the coming season.

“I sat down with him, reminded him where he comes from and told him that it’s not just a club’s project, it’s also his,” said Zwane.

“I told him he must see the future. The challenge for him now will be bigger than last season.

“The dynamics of the game, people will look at him differently, the opponents and even his teammates will look at him differently.

“So, the responsibility on his shoulders will be bigger. But also it will depend on how he conducts himself both on and off the field.”

Maqokola’s contribution was a major positive for AmaZulu during his first season with the club, with his goals and assists complemented by the recognition he received from within the team.

Zwane believes the youngster has the ability to build a successful career, but says his character will be central to whether he continues to progress. The coach described Maqokola as a good boy and drew a comparison with his own playing career, saying that maintaining the right attitude had helped him achieve success.

“But he’s a good boy, if he remains like this he’ll go far. We also made it because we were good boys,” he added.