Football
Arthur Zwane on AmaZulu Role: 'Excited for the Challenge' as He Teams Up with Vilakazi
Any avid fan of South African football will tell you that Arthur “10111” Zwane’s identity is nothing outside of Kaizer Chiefs, where he played professionally for a period of 10 years.
Arthur Zwane//x.com
But just last week, the legendary former player was named head coach of AmaZulu football club alongside Vusimuzi Vilakazi. In an exclusive interview, Zwane opens up about how he feels about the new career change and how he aims to turn things around alongside “Kanu”.
Kaizer Chiefs opens the door to top-flight coaching
Zwane was the head coach of the Soweto giants’ senior team from May 2022 until June 2023, and the hot seat came with a load of pressure to perform as one of the biggest clubs in South Africa.
Being tasked to coach a team with as huge of a fanbase as Amakhosi was never going to be easy, especially as the club is still undergoing a transitional period.
He remained with the club that he spent most of his playing and managerial career as a youth and development coach, so it’s a big change to adjust to, but “10111” seems to be taking it all in his stride.
“Thank God that I’m alive and kicking up to this day and I’m given the opportunity by the club [AmaZulu],”
Zwane
“Special thanks to the president and obviously the board, in playing a role as well in making sure that this team becomes a force. I’m excited to work with coach Kanu, we’ve come a long way.”
Mentoring youth, to flying in the big leagues
Vilakazi and Zwane were both coaching in the youth system of South African football, and the opportunity to now take over at AmaZulu is a huge step for both of their careers.
AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu has never been one shy to show a coach the door when the results are not looking good, so it’s a task on both of the coaches’ hands to make sure that they produce the results expected.
Former Usuthu coach Pablo Franco Martin was sacked after the team failed to win their first few fixtures in the Betway Premiership, so now it’s time for the club to recover and get back into good form.
“Firstly, we need to obviously check what transpired. What led to us as a club losing those three games and trying to rectify that as soon as possible,” Zwane told SportsBoom.com.
“Secondly, we need to make sure that we have the right balance in grinding those results out as well. I looked at the squad today and the quality on the field. Right now it’s a case of motivating the players.”
Zwane stressed the fact that Usuthu had lost all their fixtures so far in the league does not mean that they are a bad team and ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup clash against Stellenbosch, they can easily turn things around.
AmaZulu background comes in handy for “10111”
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach used to play for AmaZulu from 1997-1998, and also spoke fondly about his time at the club, and how much it means for him to be given such a privilege.
“My younger brother as well, at some stage he was playing for two seasons. That alone tells you that our blood is also green and white,” he stated proudly.
“Kanu” excited to make magic with Zwane
“I’m very much excited for the opportunity given by the club, the president. We are now trusted with a very huge investment. I’m excited to work with Arthur, I think the combination will work for the betterment of the club,” says Vilakazi.
Thando Mpembe is a dynamic sports reporter, where the thrill of the game meets the art of storytelling. With over five years of experience in the journalism industry and an honours degree, Thando has successfully fused a passion for entertainment with an undying love for sports.