Arthur Zwane backs new recruits to boost Usuthu ahead of Afcon break

AmaZulu coach Arthur “10111” Zwane believes the club’s two latest additions, Liam Bern and Langelihle Mhlongo, will provide the extra quality needed to push Usuthu into a stronger position heading into the Afcon recess.

Zwane, who has spoken consistently about improving AmaZulu’s depth and competitiveness, didn’t hold back in his praise as he welcomed the pair during the club’s media open-day in Durban on Wednesday.

Usuthu unveiled the duo this week, with both players arriving as utility central midfield options. Bern, 22, has technically been part of the squad since the start of the season, but administrative delays kept his move under wraps. 

Cape Town Spurs challenged his free transfer, forcing AmaZulu to wait for a ruling from the PSL’s Dispute Resolution Chamber.

With the matter now cleared, the former Spurs midfielder is finally available for selection and is expected to make his Usuthu debut when they host Siwelele in the Betway Premiership at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Mhlongo’s path was far more straightforward. The 24-year-old, formerly of Richards Bay, entered the market as a free agent at the end of last season, and AmaZulu moved swiftly to secure his signature.

Zwane believes both arrivals were worth the wait.

“Good acquisitions, top-class players. Obviously, we wanted to have them on board earlier, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen the way we would have wanted,” Zwane said.

“We are just happy that they are finally here. We know that they will add value because they have qualities, both of them.”

AmaZulu’s campaign has been steady without being convincing. They have taken five wins from their opening 11 league fixtures, along with three draws and three defeats — a return that has kept them hovering in mid-table rather than making a serious push towards the frontrunners.

Their most recent outing, a 1-0 defeat at home to Polokwane City, left Zwane particularly frustrated. Usuthu created chances and had control for large portions but failed to capitalise, conceding from a lapse of concentration that ultimately cost them the result.

“If you look at how we started and where we are now, I can say that I am partially happy,” Zwane reflected.

“There are games where we could have done better, especially in games where we scored first but ended up not winning… we didn’t deserve to lose against Polokwane at home.”

That inconsistency has prompted Zwane to set a firm target for his squad ahead of next month’s Afcon break. AmaZulu face Siwelele, Richards Bay and Golden Arrows in their final three league fixtures of the year — and the coach wants a perfect return.

“We want to turn things around. We want to win the three remaining games before the Afcon recess,” Zwane declared.

For a squad that has blown hot and cold, the arrival of Bern and Mhlongo brings both fresh energy and tactical flexibility. Zwane believes they fit the profile he wants as AmaZulu attempt to build momentum in a season that still feels like it can tilt either way.