AmaZulu FC head coach Arthur Zwane has weighed in on Nkosikhona Radebe’s omission from the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Kenya.
Radebe has been one of AmaZulu’s standout performers this season, registering one goal, six assists and a Man of the Match award.
The 25-year-old came through TS Galaxy’s reserve side before making his professional debut for the club. Since joining AmaZulu in January 2025, he has made 52 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing nine assists.
Zwane said competition for places and the short turnaround between international matches influence how national team coaches select their squads.
“Look, realistically in football, I believe other players are doing well in their respective teams, and surely the coaches at that level know who they are looking for and why they look for those players. Because the turnaround time is very, very short. I’m talking from experience, because I was there; you get what I mean. So, you always go for the players that you think are ready. So yes, Nkosi has been doing very, very well,” Zwane said.
ZWANE BACKS RADEBE TO EARN BAFANA BAFANA CALL-UP
Thabang Matuludi and Thapelo Morena are among Bafana’s options on the right, while Khuliso Mudau and Kamogelo Sebelebele are recovering from injuries.
Zwane believes Radebe has room to improve and can earn a call-up if he keeps working and delivers consistently for AmaZulu. He has urged the marauding full-back to stay focused and continue improving his game.
“But we still believe he can do far better than what he is doing at the moment, or what he has done so far. Like any other player, you have your ups and downs, and in his case, he needs to stay focused and keep working hard,” Zwane added.
“One day he will get his opportunity like any other player. It will come, and probably it will come at the right time.”
Meanwhile, Zwane has guided AmaZulu to third place after nine league matches.
Usuthu are four points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and three adrift of second-placed Orlando Pirates. The Durban side has a game in hand over Sundowns.
Usuthu host Milford FC on 28 November in their first match after the international break, aiming for a sixth consecutive Betway Premiership win.
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