Arthur Zwane wary of Maduka’s Magesi but insists Usuthu must win

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has insisted that nothing less than victory will suffice when his side meets holders Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout round of 16 on Sunday at 6pm at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Usuthu come into the tie desperate to turn cup fortunes into a stepping stone for silverware, having last lifted a major trophy in 1992. 

For Zwane, who has been steadily shaping AmaZulu since taking over, the clash represents an opportunity to restore pride and push for overdue success.

Speaking ahead of the match, Zwane was blunt about his side’s objective.

“The only option we have is to win, we have to go to the next round, we have to plan for it properly and execute, we can’t afford not to win,” he declared.

The coach, however, was quick to acknowledge the challenge posed by John Maduka’s Magesi. 

Usuthu might have held the upper hand in past meetings, but this season’s clash in Limpopo left them with a stark reminder of Magesi’s growth.

“They’re a difficult team to play against, last season we beat them home and away but this season we played them in their own backyard and they gave us a torrid time,” Zwane admitted.

Magesi, who shocked the country by clinching last year’s Carling Knockout, remain a dangerous opponent despite an uneven league campaign. 

Maduka’s tactical reshuffle has injected fresh energy into the side, something Zwane is mindful of.

“They’ve got a good coach in John Maduka and they’ve recently changed the structure a little bit so that alone tells you he’s building a formidable team and they’re difficult to beat because they’re not one dimensional,” Zwane noted.

For AmaZulu, the cup fixture offers a fresh start after recent league setbacks. They have shown signs of fluidity in attack, with Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya leading the charge upfront. 

The in-form striker has found the net consistently this season and will be expected to shoulder responsibility once more.

Zwane, meanwhile, will demand greater concentration from his midfield, where lapses have cost the side valuable points in the league. 

Against a side like Magesi, who thrive on discipline and counter-punching, Usuthu can ill afford errors.

Magesi, for their part, will look to goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze and a well-drilled defence to frustrate AmaZulu, while hoping their forwards can take the limited chances that may come their way. 

The Limpopo outfit have proven they can rise to the occasion in knockout football, and Zwane’s side will have to dig deep to advance.

With a place in the quarterfinals on the line, Sunday’s clash promises intensity and tactical intrigue. 

For Zwane and AmaZulu, the mission is clear: win at all costs, and keep alive the dream of ending more than three decades without silverware.