Ayanda Cobra Dlamini reveals lofty coaching ambitions

The former Usuthu striker has more than once assumed the ‘Fireman Sam’ task to get the club out of trouble – the latest call to duty coming when Romain Folz was redeployed as technical director.  

Dlamini wants more. 

"I'm a very passionate man, if the team needs me and they say 'come in and help', I will always do that. I do believe it's part of my journey in terms of the coaching career that I'm in. If I need to be there for the team, I need to be there but it also helps me grow as a coach, I have big ambitions," he said.

‘Cobra’ as he is affectionately known, uses former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane as an inspirational example. 

"I said during the week that if you look at the best coaches in the world and in the country, it's Pitso Mosimane. When he came to Sundowns it was difficult for him, each and every game he was chased by supporters but look when he is now because of patience," Dlamini explained.

AmaZulu are currently number 10 on the DStv Premiership log table with 32 points and three more games in hand.

Dlamini confirms his next route is getting the highest coaching qualifications, although his future with Usuthu beyond this season isn’t yet clear. 

"While I'm helping the team here, what does the future hold for me? I have to get the badges. Nowadays that's how we work, you have to have the badges. It's all about finding balance and being patient until the right time comes."