Arthur Zwane slams AmaZulu’s attitude after costly defeat at Richards Bay

AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane delivered a scathing post-match assessment after his side’s 2–0 defeat to Richards Bay, insisting Usuthu were the architects of their own downfall in a match where only one team showed genuine intention.

The loss at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex denied AmaZulu the chance to climb into the top three, and Zwane made it clear that their biggest problem wasn’t tactics — it was mentality.

“Only one team came to play today (Friday night),” Zwane said, speaking after the match. “We did not come to the party, we did not show any hunger, we won the game before it even started. We thought it was going to be easy.”

AmaZulu entered the match with confidence having beaten Siwelele last time out, but Zwane said he had warned his players that Richards Bay would be a far more dangerous opponent than the table suggested — especially after their strong recent showings.

“I alerted the players about playing this kind of team, one that was oozing confidence after their trip to Polokwane where they were unfortunate to not get maximum points,” he explained. 

“From that moment we should’ve known who we’re playing against, coming into their backyard as well.”

Richards Bay took the lead early through Moses Mthembu and later sealed the result when Wandile Ngema punished another sloppy defensive moment in the closing stages. 

Zwane said both goals were the result of AmaZulu’s own lapses rather than crafted opposition play.

“We took them lightly and we paid the price today,” he said bluntly. “You look at all their chances — it’s us who passed them the ball. From the turnover, we conceded goals.”

The AmaZulu coach was equally frustrated with the defensive structure, lamenting how often Richards Bay were allowed to shoot uncontested.

“Even when we defend, we allowed players to take a lot of shots at goal today,” he added. “That tells you everything about our mindset.”

Usuthu dominated possession but lacked penetration, urgency and composure in the final third — a continuation of a season-long trend in matches where they are expected to dictate play. 

Zwane said this performance was a reminder that possession alone means nothing without intensity.

“We can talk tactics all day, but if the hunger is not there, if the fight is not there, then we will always be second best,” he said.

With the AFCON break approaching and the race for CAF spots tightening, Zwane said the players must show immediate accountability if they want to remain competitive.

“This badge comes with responsibility,” he warned.

“And today, too many didn’t show enough of it.”

Usuthu will have to pick themselves up quickly with another KZN derby on the way next Tuesday against Golden Arrows.