AmaZulu FC Head Coach, Arthur “Phakimpi” Zwane, shared his thoughts following Usuthu’s first Betway Premiership home defeat of the season — a 1–0 loss to Polokwane City on Tuesday night in KwaMashu.
“We started a bit sluggish, which is understandable, you know, coming from travelling and having just one day to prepare for this game,” Zwane explained. “I think the energy levels were still low, but we needed to find our rhythm and build momentum.
“As much as we managed to keep the ball, we were not penetrative enough to hurt them or force them into mistakes. They were comfortable clearing the balls into the right areas and looked ready to hit us on the counter,” he added.
Zwane admitted that the result reflects a recurring challenge his team must overcome — particularly when on the verge of climbing higher up the league table. Despite the setback, Usuthu remain unmoved in their current log position, though other midweek fixtures could still affect their standing.
“What I don’t understand is that even last season it was like this,” Zwane said. “We had about five chances to move into third place. We’d win games to reach position five, but whenever we had a chance to go up to third, we dropped points. That’s the mentality I need to work on. We don’t need that. The players must fancy their chances — go in there and tell themselves that this time they want to see themselves in position five or higher.”
Reflecting further, Zwane expressed disappointment with the outcome, feeling that his side deserved at least a point.
“There’s a reason behind the result tonight, but I’m disappointed because the worst we should’ve gotten was a draw. As much as Polokwane defended well and waited for their moments, I still think we were the better side and could’ve done far more,” he concluded.
AmaZulu will return to Betway Premiership action on 22 November, when they host Siwelele FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
