AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane cut a frustrated figure on Friday night, lashing out at the standard of officiating despite his side booking a place in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.
Usuthu edged past Richards Bay FC with a narrow 1–0 victory at the UMhlathuze Sports Complex, a result that extended their momentum at a crucial stage of the season and delivered back-to-back wins ahead of a daunting midweek assignment against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Progression in the Nedbank Cup should have been the headline, yet the post-match narrative was quickly dominated by Zwane’s stinging assessment of referee Thando Ndzanzeka, whom he accused of repeatedly making decisions that left AmaZulu feeling uneasy.
“I believe we had about two penalties but I don’t like speaking about referees,” Zwane said, before making it clear that this was not an isolated grievance.
He referenced previous encounters — including matches against Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants — where similar frustrations lingered long after the final whistle.
The incident involving Sandile Mthethwa, who was allegedly pushed and almost forced into an own goal, appeared to be the final straw.
For Zwane, the issue was less about one decision and more about a pattern he believes undermines confidence in the officiating process.
“I didn’t want to talk about this because we won,” he admitted, “but it can’t be this one person that makes us feel uncomfortable when he officiates our games.”
From a footballing perspective, AmaZulu were composed, disciplined and clinical when it mattered — qualities that have been inconsistent this season but are beginning to surface at the right time.
Their ability to manage moments, rather than dominate possession, ultimately proved decisive in a tight KZN derby.
On the opposite bench, Richards Bay co-coach Papi Zothwane struck a far more reflective tone.
For the Natal Rich Boys, elimination came down to missed opportunities rather than officiating controversies.
“The difference between the two teams today was our inability to take our chances,” Zothwane explained.
His side enjoyed spells of momentum, found space in dangerous areas, but failed to turn pressure into goals — a familiar story at the highest level.
As AmaZulu march on in the cup and prepare for a league heavyweight, Zwane’s comments serve as both a warning and a plea: results may heal some wounds, but concerns over officiating remain raw beneath the surface.
And while Usuthu turn their heads towards the Brazilians, Richards Bay will have to wait another seven days before they can bounce back against Orbit College on the 28th.
