AmaZulu FC co-coach Arthur Zwane has reflected on a challenging situation at Kaizer Chiefs, expressing sympathy for the club’s head coach, Nasreddine Nabi.
Usuthu played to a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chiefs in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night. AmaZulu found the back of the net through Tshepang Moremi and Elmo Kambindu but were pegged back by two own goals, one from ex-Amakhosi defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele and the other from Richard Ofori.
The exciting league match between Chiefs and AmaZulu was Zwane’s first visit to FNB Stadium since taking over the coaching role at the KZN-based side.
Zwane left his role in the Chiefs development structures to join AmaZulu in October 2024. This was after the KZN side fired their coach, Pablo Franco Martin, who had a dismal start to the 2024/25 campaign.
During his time at Chiefs, the 51-year-old Zwane served as an assistant coach under different coaches. Zwane’s biggest gig with The Glamour Boys was in the 2022/23 season, where he was appointed the club’s head coach.
ARTHUR ZWANE SAYS THE TRANSFER MARKET IS DIFFICULT FOR KAIZER CHIEFS
Through his experience at Chiefs, Zwane revealed that he feels sorry for Nabi because of how difficult the transfer market has been for the Soweto giants.
In the past transfer windows, Chiefs have been linked with players such as Oswin Appollis, Thabang Matuludi, Fawaaz Basadien, Asenele Velebayi, and Fiesal Salum. However, the deals could not go over the line.
Zwane acknowledged the difficulty of acquiring desired players, leading him to praise Amakhosi’s strategy of investing in their youth development system. This approach allows the club to promote promising young players from within their ranks, mitigating the challenges of the “tough” transfer market.
“I think I should thank Kaizer Chiefs for the progress of the youngsters because that’s the reason the team has development structures. Even though some people didn’t believe in what the team is trying to do for all these years,” said Zwane.
In the current season, Chiefs have Mfundo Vilakaz, Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, and Samkelo Zwane playing a big role in the senior team after coming through the club’s development ranks.
ZWANE BELIEVES CHIEFS’ RISE UNDER NABI IS IMMINENT
“It’s only a matter of time before you’ll see these players blossoming and doing very well. Actually, from the beginning of this campaign, they have been carrying the team because it’s always difficult for any player to come to this setup and excel immediately because of the pressure,” added Zwane.
“Probably now, you’d understand why these boys are carrying the team, and also, we must commend the coach for giving them confidence and believing in them because it’s a huge investment for the club.
“The market has always been difficult for Kaizer Chiefs. I feel sorry for coach Nabi because I’ve been in that situation as a coach, but when you look at Chiefs, as much as they are a work in progress, they are going to be a team to beat. Coach Nabi needs to be given time, and the team will gel; it’s only a matter of time.
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