AmaZulu will be looking to address their ongoing defensive frailties when they face Richards Bay in a crucial Betway Premiership clash on Friday. Head coach Arthur Zwane has made it clear that tightening up at the back is a top priority as his side push to secure a top-eight finish.
Despite showing promise in attack, AmaZulu have struggled to prevent "cheap goals" from creeping into their game. With the stakes high in the race for the top half of the table, Zwane knows they must shore up their defence to ensure they stay on track.
The pressure is on for Usuthu to start turning their performances into results, with their recent record showing both promise and frustration.
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The KwaZulu-Natal-based club are on a three-game losing streak and a four-game winless run and have slipped out of contention for a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup. While their attacking play has often been creative, defensive errors have cost them crucial points — something that has not gone unnoticed by the coach.
Usuthu have the second-worst defence in the division, having conceded 32 goals this season.
AmaZulu’s defensive issues have been well-documented, with the team conceding avoidable goals in recent matches, particularly in their last one against Chippa United. Zwane pointed out that despite creating numerous chances, his team’s inability to defend has undermined their efforts.
"The performance against Chippa United wasn’t bad at all — we created several chances, but we only managed to score one. Our defence, however, was again a problem," Zwane admitted.
While the attacking players have shown glimpses of quality, the backline has been inconsistent. The coach identified individual mistakes as the key culprit.
"We’ve been giving away goals cheaply at the back," Zwane explained.
"We’re still making individual errors, and those mistakes are proving costly. It knocks the confidence of players who have been doing quite well in their roles."
If Tshepang Moremi of Amazulu Keeps his Current Form and stay Focused one of the good days He'll Don that Bafana Bafana 🇿🇦 Jersey 🔥 I've that Feeling 👏 He's a great player this Guy 🤙All the way from Vaal ! pic.twitter.com/ihv6rQ0nHD
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Zwane, however, remains optimistic that his side can turn things around, especially with the home advantage.
"We still have time on our side in terms of redeeming ourselves," Zwane said.
"We’re playing at home, and we need to get maximum points. It’s not going to be on a silver platter because we’re playing against a team that’s been doing very well, apart from their last game."
With just six games left in the season, the coach stressed that this is not the time for experimentation.
"At this stage, you are not looking for combinations; you are looking to get maximum points. We need to get our structure right, especially at the back,” Zwane said.
For AmaZulu, the task is clear: tighten up defensively, take their chances when they come, and secure the points needed to keep their top-eight aspirations alive. With the pressure mounting, this clash — a KZN derby, no less — against Richards Bay could be the turning point that sets them back on course.