AmaZulu much to play for despite shock cup exit

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane believes his club still have plenty to play for this season despite their humiliating exit from the Nedbank Cup at the hands of second-string side Casric Stars at the weekend.

AmaZulu were one of the fancied sides left in contention for cup success after all the top favourites went out early, but they lost their quarterfinal tie at home, beaten 2-1 after extra time on Saturday.

But they are in fifth place in the league standings, and it is to the Betway Premiership that coach Zwane is now turning his focus.

“We have 10 games still to play and a lot to play for. We still stand a good chance of finishing in the top three, which means we will get a place in the African Confederation Cup next season,” Zwane said.

But he warned it would require improving their efforts.

“Some of our youngsters have found carrying the load at this level a bit hard to take, and it has also taken an impact on our senior players, but so far overall, I think they’ve done well.

“Now the games will be coming thick and fast. The last three league games we played against Pirates, Sundowns, and Stellenbosch took a lot of energy from the players. If we had more time in terms of preparing and recovering, we might have got a better result against Casric.

“But yeah, I think that's the only way our players can grow. This is PSL, and it's always going to be tough if you want to box with the big boys.”

AmaZulu play Richards Bay at home next on Saturday and then go to Polokwane City on Saturday, 21 March, before the break for the international window at the end of the month.