Newly appointed AmaZulu FC co-coach Arthur Zwane has opened up about the intense criticism he faced during his time at Kaizer Chiefs, where he was demoted from the head coach role.
A new chapter has commenced for ‘10111’ in KwaZulu-Natal following his appointment, alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi, to jointly lead Usuthu. This was after the sacking of Pablo Franco Martin after a poor start to the new season.
Zwane left his senior academy coach position at Chiefs where he had spent 24 years both as a player and coach.
The 51-year-old coach was asked about the rough patch he endured at Naturena during his time as head coach and how he coped with being redeployed.
While Zwane insisted that the fierce criticism he encountered might not have significantly affected him due to his experience, he acknowledged that it was emotionally taxing on his family, particularly his children who struggled to understand the situation.
He explained that working with the junior teams last season helped him regain his energy and enthusiasm before joining AmaZulu.
ZWANE ON HOW CRITICISM AT KAIZER CHIEFS AFFECTED HIS FAMILY
“Yeah, obviously after I was redeployed, I think I needed a break. But I was obviously working with the young ones, leading all the divisions, trying to align this. I think that kind of revived my energy, that helped big time,” said Zwane.
“So about what people are saying in football, that’s part of the game. I don’t take it personally. I understand it comes as a package.
“Everyone’s got a different opinion and we respect that. And you must know, that people invest their emotions as well in the game. So it’s not because they disrespect you or they hate you or something.
“They will say whatever they want to say. It comes as a package. The only people that get affected more, but if we don’t try to make them aware, are the kids.
“So yeah, it affected my kids because I’ve been in the game for many, many years. And I had to make them aware of the situation and also understand. This is where your father is and you’ve got to understand.
“It’s either some of the things you stay away from them or you just support. Because you love the game. When your father wins, you also celebrate.
“So now it comes with this when results are not coming.”
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