Arthur Zwane optimistic about Usuthu squad despite cup exit

Usuthu suffered a fourth straight defeat when they crashed out of the Carling Knockout against title holders Stellenbosch FC in Durban on Friday night.

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Zwane’s appointment, alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi, is aimed at changing the club’s fortunes and the ex-Amakhosi mentor remains optimistic.

''There is no doubt that there's so much quality. Obviously we are coming from a situation where we have lost three games before this one, and the morale in the squad was a bit low - so it was our responsibility to try and lift up the morale of the squad and to help players to believe in themselves more. You must have seen today, though I think we could have done better,  but I think the way we executed ourselves - there were a lot of positives that will work for us going forward. So there's no doubt about the quality that we have, from the bench. When  we made changes we saw the impact from the players that came from the bench. We have young players that are promising and also senior players that are willing to give their best and lead the young ones. It is promising for the club,'' said Zwane.

The cup tie went into extra time at 1-1 until midfielder Andre de Jong scored the winner for Stellies.

Zwane says AmaZulu were impressive only in patches.

''We know that in that first half we did not play well, we could have done better by far. We actually did not manage to keep the ball too long, every second ball we lost it. In simple terms I can say we lost all the battles, that is why they were on top of us and we were playing in patches. We could not connect at all. But our changes in the second half made a positive impact to help stabilise the team, and they were gaining the momentum,'' added Zwane.

Despite yet another loss, the biggest positives for AmaZulu was goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who was excellent on debut.

Zwane asked for his thoughts on the former Orlando Pirates shot stopper.

''You know when I look at Richard, what killed his momentum was the injuries. Remember when he was number one at Pirates, he got injured and when he came back he was not himself and immediately he played for about a month, and he was out again. So being number one for the national and for Orlando Pirates, and someone comes in then does well - now you have come back and claim your position. You know, you have to compete,'' he expressed.

Ofori will compete for the No.1 jersey with Bafana Bafana international Veli Mothwa, whose recent costly mistakes forced Usuthu to sign another goalie.

Zwane added that everyone will have “to be on their toes”.