AmaZulu’s Unathi Mdaka determined to win MTN8 after two final defeats

AmaZulu left-back Unathi Mdaka is targeting his first MTN8 winner’s medal after twice finishing runner-up in the competition with Stellenbosch.

The 22-year-old will begin his latest attempt to claim the trophy when AmaZulu host Sekhukhune United in the quarter-finals at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 15:00.

Mdaka reached the MTN8 final on two occasions during his time at Stellenbosch but ended both campaigns with silver medals. He is now hoping his move to AmaZulu will give him a third chance to go one step further.

“As young as I am, I’ve been fortunate enough to play in two MTN8 finals,” Mdaka said at AmaZulu’s media open day on Wednesday.

“I’ve got two silver medals and I want that gold one. I want to work hard for the team to get there, for the players to experience what it’s like to play in a final and hopefully this time, win it.”

Mdaka, whose full name is Unathi Omega Mdaka, joined AmaZulu during the off-season. He had previously spent time being assessed by the club before the move was completed, and said he had always expected to return to Durban despite the delay.

“I wanted to be here. It just got delayed a bit,” he said. “I was unfortunate to leave and then come back, but I’m not surprised because I know coach Arthur (Zwane) from the development structures. Me being here isn’t a coincidence.”

The defender previously worked with Zwane in the development ranks, and believes that relationship has helped him settle quickly into the AmaZulu squad.

“He’s an easy-going coach as a person, but when it comes to training and match day he’s very demanding,” Mdaka said. “He expects the best from his players. He’s a top coach and an even better human being, so it’s been great working under him again.”

Mdaka has also been impressed by the demands placed on the players during training. He said the intensity of the sessions had helped explain why AmaZulu enjoyed one of their strongest league campaigns last season.

“The sessions are demanding every day and I think that’s why they finished where they did. The work we put in at training shows in the games.”

AmaZulu were eliminated at the first hurdle in last season’s competition, losing to Stellenbosch, Mdaka’s former club. The left-back knows Sekhukhune United will provide another demanding test but believes AmaZulu have enough quality to make a serious run at the trophy.

“They’re a very good and solid team, so it won’t be an easy game. But we back ourselves to do our best. Hopefully we can get to the final again and this time bring home the gold medal,” he said.

AmaZulu’s quarter-final against Sekhukhune United takes place at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday.

Image: @AmaZuluFootball on X