KZN clubs continue to prove their strength in the Premiership

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) based clubs are slowly but surely showing that they are not in the top flight just to make up the numbers, as they’ve displayed grit and determination over the last few months to earn respectable positions in the Betway Premiership.

Last season, AmaZulu and Richards Bay carried the province’s torch in the league, both earning respectable top-eight finishes, while Lamontville Golden Arrows did just enough to stay afloat and away from the drop zone.

The trio have continued with their respective strides this season. As a result, the returning Durban City – formerly known as Maritzburg United – have hardly looked out of place either, as the quartet finished the year in decent positions.

AmaZulu

Established in 1932, AmaZulu are the oldest club in the PSL but over the years, they’ve failed to build a consistently successful team that the people of the Zulu nation and their wider support base could fully take pride in.

However, all is not lost, the club’s decision to retain Arthur Zwane as the sole head coach, along with the integration of youngsters into the squad, has produced positive returns in recent months.

Not only are Usuthu playing eye-catching football – with pace and trickery from youngsters such as Siyanda Hlangabeza, Nkosikhona Radebe, Liam Bern, and Minenhle Ngcobo – but their play has also been constructive and effective.

Usuthu finished fifth on the log before the AFCON break with 24 points, level with fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs. If anything, that finish augurs well for the club’s aspirations as president Sandile Zungu’s vision is to turn the team into consistent top-four contenders.

Durban City

The Citizens’ return to the top flight has been topsy-turvy. While they’ve done fairly well in the league to accumulate points for a “new team,” their boardroom decisions have left a bittersweet taste in recent months.

Former coach Gavin Hunt, working with a blend of inexperienced and seasoned campaigners, held his own as the team collected 19 points from 14 games despite an inconsistent, hard-to-identify playing style that mixed long balls with building from the back.

But just when it seemed Hunt was finding his groove again – after critics suggested his best days were behind him – the club abruptly pulled the plug on their relationship, terminating his contract with immediate effect.

Hunt was not the only high-ranking figure to leave City; the technical director Ernst Middendorp lasted only three months in the job. That’s why City will have to hold tightly to the positives of this year as they head into the second half of the season if they hope to stay afloat.

Richards Bay

After finishing eighth on the log for the first time last season, the Natal Rich Boyz have gone about their business quietly this campaign.

They’ve blown hot and cold since the start, dropping points they were expected to collect with ease – exposing the challenges of blending young talent with experienced campaigners such as Gabadinho Mhango.

Despite the rollercoaster performances, coach Ronnie Gabriel believes the team still has plenty of room for improvement if they are to secure another coveted top-eight finish this season.

Gabriel knows, however, that it won’t be easy. That’s why he’ll be banking on club chairman and PSL Exco member Jomo Biyela to invest in the squad during the January transfer window.

Golden Arrows

Coach Manqoba Mngqithi has been on a rebuilding mission since returning to the club towards the end of last season, following his decorated spell with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Granted, he has yet to see the project come full circle, but there have been clear signs of progress. For instance, 22-year-old Siyanda Ndlovu was crowned Player of the Month for September/October due to his goal contributions up front.

Ndlovu and his teammates have benefited from “Mngqithi’s ball,” a philosophy that thrives on scoring goals while maintaining team structure.

Mngqithi’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed either. He has been voted by fans to coach the Carling All Stars team, which will face Carling Knockout champions Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm).