Despite suffering defeats in their last five matches across all competitions, AmaZulu FC’s co-coach, Vusimuzi Vilakazi, remains untroubled and has explained why they are not in a state of alarm.
AmaZulu’s nightmare run continued on Friday night when they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, marking their fifth consecutive loss in the 2024/25 season.
Before Friday, Usuthu had suffered a 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC in the first round of the Carling Knockout Cup, followed by defeats to Marumo Gallants [1-0], Kaizer Chiefs [3-1], and Polokwane City FC [2-1], all in the Betway Premiership.
However, Vilakazi remains confident about turning AmaZulu’s fortunes around despite the grim run of form. The outspoken coach and his partner, Arthur Zwane, were appointed to the AmaZulu hot seat after a disappointing start to the season under former coach Pablo Franco Martin, which saw AmaZulu lose their first three league matches.
Vilakazi and Zwane’s tenure began inauspiciously with two more defeats, adding to the KZN side’s growing woes.
VUSIMUZI KANU VILAKAZI NOT PRESSING PANIC BUTTONS YET
“We can be worried, yes, but I don’t think we need to panic at this stage in time considering the fact that before the game that we played in the Carling Knockout Cup, we only had 10 days with the team with coach Arthur,” said Vilakazi.
“So I think it is still a work in progress. It is just unfortunate that while that work is in progress, we are suffering in terms of getting that win, but we strongly believe that there are a lot of positives we can take going forward into our game. We just need to align a few areas, especially our defence structure.
“Teams are scoring very easily against us, but we find it very difficult to score goals. We do create scoring opportunities, so we just need to balance the two because in terms of the proper defensive structure and being clinical in front of goal.”
The ex-Richards Bay FC coach emphasised that while they’ve only played five games, the five consecutive losses are a significant concern. He acknowledged the limited time they have to turn things around and promised to implement a strategy to improve Usuthu’s performance.
“It is a work in progress, but we don’t have time. I think with this break we will get now for four weeks, it will be far better for us, but we are playing at home on Tuesday [against Chippa United in the league], and we need to make sure that we dominate and get the three points, which is very important for us.
“I’m not in a panic mode as yet, I have been through situations that are far worse than what it is now.
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