AmaZulu co-coach Arthur Zwane during a press conference Arthur Zwane will take full control of AmaZulu after the departure of Vusi Vilakazi on Tuesday.
Image: AmaZulu/X
AmaZulu FC head coach, Arthur Zwane, has finally addressed the departure of his former co-coach, Vusumuzi Vilakazi, who stepped down earlier this week citing personal reasons.
The two had been at the helm together since October, following the sacking of Pablo Franco Martin.
Vilakazi’s exit has left Zwane steering the ship solo at the KwaZulu-Natal club, and he’s not downplaying the impact of the change.
During Usuthu’s media open day on Thursday, Zwane spoke candidly about Vilakazi’s absence for the team.
The 51-year-old mentor reflected on the void Vilakazi leaves behind but was also quick to point out the importance of not dwelling on the decision at a critical point of the season.
“Losing one of our important members was always going to be critical. At the end of the day, we have to move on and carry on. We have to work,” he explained.
Zwane didn’t hold back in praising his former colleague, emphasizing Vilakazi’s invaluable contributions to the technical team. He was also grateful for the solid foundation they built together in their months in charge.
He stated,“He played a huge role. He did very well. We all know coach Kanu, he’s been coaching. He’s been in the mix for quite some time.”
“The good thing is, he has left something behind in terms of understanding. We worked together very well. We were on the same boat in terms of what we wanted to achieve for the club.”
Despite the setback, Zwane remains optimistic about AmaZulu’s prospects. He has placed his trust in assistant coach Sboniso Vilakazi, known affectionately as Coach Nini, to help maintain stability.
“And having someone like Coach Nini, who’s also equal to the task. I think we’re still covered in the department in terms of the manpower,” Zwane noted.
“Now is to focus more on the games that are coming because it’s going to be a test.”
AmaZulu’s upcoming schedule is brutal, starting with a clash against Cape Town City FC on March 2, followed by a trip to Pretoria for a showdown with SuperSport United—which could be relocated to Polokwane. And then, they face the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns.
“You can see now that you have to manage the players. There’s going to be [a lot of] travelling in between. The demands at this level will be much higher than in the past because the games are coming thick and fast,” Zwane said of his side’s schedule.
Usuthu want to consolidate their spot in the top eight of the Betway Premiership before the international break in March.
“It’s not going to be easy; no one will give it to us. We have to dig deep in order to be among the competing teams up there.”
For AmaZulu, the challenge now is not just about coping with Vilakazi’s departure but also proving they have what it takes to stay competitive in a tough league.