AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane admits he is still finding out what his side is capable of this season, but says increased competition for places has given him a welcome selection headache ahead of Sunday’s MTN8 quarter-final against Sekhukhune United at Chatsworth Stadium (3pm kick-off).
“Realistically, I’d be lying if I said I know where we are,” Zwane said at AmaZulu’s media open day at Kings Park Stadium on Wednesday. “The more we play, the better for us. Pre-season can tell you lies.”
Usuthu head into the knockout clash after opening their Betway Premiership campaign with victory over Stellenbosch and face a demanding run that also includes a midweek meeting with Orlando Pirates and another league fixture next weekend against Siwelele.
One thing Zwane is certain about, however, is that he has greater depth at his disposal than last season.
“I’ve got a headache – a healthy headache,” Zwane said. “When I looked at our bench after the first game, I said these are genuine game changers. Any one of them deserves to start.”
Unlike last season, when injuries to key players left him short of options, Zwane believes AmaZulu now have the squad balance needed to cope with a demanding schedule.
“We’re playing on Sunday, then again on Wednesday and again next weekend. Everyone will get an opportunity because these matches take a lot out of the players.”
Zwane said the club’s recruitment had focused on signing players who fit AmaZulu’s style rather than simply chasing high-profile names.
“We don’t go into the market just because players are doing well in their respective teams. We look for players who suit our style of play,” he said.
Usuthu were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Stellies last season, but Zwane believes his youthful squad have matured and are ready to go far in the competition this season.
“We won more games last season and now we believe in ourselves even more,” he said. “We want to go to the next round. We’ll give it our best shot and hopefully we’ll be there.”
