Former AmaZulu FC striker Mpho Maleka has lifted the lid on Usuthu’s impressive start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season under the tutelage of head coach Arthur Zwane.
The KwaZulu-Natal side currently occupies third position on the South African top-flight standings with 22 points from nine outings. They sit just four points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Sandile Zungu-owned club has recorded seven victories, one draw, and just a single defeat in their Betway Premiership campaign so far.
Usuthu’s strong run of form has drawn praise from local football fans, with many applauding the club’s hierarchy, technical team, and playing personnel for their output.
MPHO MALEKA REVEALS WHAT HAS WORKED IN AMAZULU’S FAVOUR
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FARPost, Maleka expressed his delight at seeing his former side contend near the top of the table.
“You know, I’m happy to see where AmaZulu is today. AmaZulu is a team that has always wanted to compete among the best teams. They have always aimed to be among the top three or four in the country,” Maleka told FARPost.
“I’m pleased that they have been patient with how they wanted to do things and improve. They are one of the teams that are very patient with their coaches. This is something that most of our teams in the country lack.”
Maleka credited the management’s backing of head coach Zwane as the primary catalyst behind their strong displays.
“Coach Arthur Zwane has been given ample time to adjust, demonstrate, and introduce his identity and how it fits into AmaZulu’s identity,” he explained.
“Those are the results of having a supportive structure. I know how they operate; they are supportive. That’s actually one of the secrets to their achievements: that patience, proper preparation, understanding how the team should play, treating the entire structure well, and taking care of your team.”
‘THEY’RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK’ – MPHO MALEKA ON AMAZULU FC
The former PSL forward further expressed confidence in the club’s long-term plan while urging other domestic teams to adopt similar management models to elevate the standard of football in South Africa.
“I believe that AmaZulu will reach their goal in no time and get to where they want to go. I can always say big ups to them. They’re on the right track,” Maleka added. “I just believe that all the teams can follow suit and come to the party to help our football grow in terms of how they manage, treat, and take care of their teams.
“Also, they should uplift our standards of football in South Africa. We are not there yet; we can do much better than we are currently doing. Our leagues, the NFD and Betway Premiership, are looking much better, along with the coaches who are empowering themselves with the management that is there to ensure things run smoothly.”
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