AmaZulu’s strong start puts them in title race, but De Nobrega urges caution

AmaZulu FC’s impressive opening to the 2026/2027 Betway Premiership season has placed them among the early contenders, but former Bloemfontein Celtic coach Tony De Nobrega believes it is too soon to judge whether they can sustain their challenge.

AmaZulu, also known as Usuthu, are third in the table with 19 points from eight matches. Under head coach Arthur Zwane, they have won six games, drawn one and lost one, leaving them within reach of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Their campaign began with a 1-0 away victory over Stellenbosch FC. They then held Orlando Pirates to a 1-1 draw before suffering their only defeat so far, a 5-2 loss against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

That setback did not derail their momentum. AmaZulu responded with four consecutive wins before the October international window, strengthening their position near the top of the standings.

Their latest success came on 13 October, when they claimed local bragging rights in a closely contested Durban derby against Durban City FC. First-half goals from Mlondi Mbanjwa and Athini Maqokola secured a 2-1 victory.

AmaZulu are now four points behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who lead the league, and have a game in hand.

Despite that record, De Nobrega says the team must be assessed over a longer period before their credentials can be properly established.

“It’s still too early; only a few games have been played so far this season,” De Nobrega told KickOff.

“AmaZulu have started well, but we will see in the second half of the season if they can maintain their good start. For now, it is too early to tell; the bigger teams they always come out on top in the end. I’m sure it’s going to be the same this season.”

The former Bloemfontein Celtic coach therefore expects the established leading clubs to emerge strongly as the campaign progresses, despite AmaZulu’s current position and consistency.

For now, Zwane’s side remain one of the league’s most in-form teams, having combined a strong defensive result away from home at the start of the season with victories in key fixtures and a positive response after their defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns.