AmaZulu coach Zwane sends warning to Sundowns ahead of league tie

As AmaZulu FC prepares for a tough away match against Mamelodi Sundowns, head coach Arthur Zwane has sent a clear message to the league: this season is different. 

Fresh off a 1-0 victory over Betway Premiership newcomers Orbit College, the KZN side is hoping to continue its momentum against the defending champions on Tuesday, 12 August. 

The clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium comes at an interesting time, as Sundowns uncharacteristically dropped points in their season opener with a 1-1 draw against Chippa United.

However, Zwane is not taking this as a sign of weakness. He remains cautious, stating that he will not judge Sundowns based on one match. Instead, he believes the entire season will be a difficult one for all 16 teams. 

Zwane declared that the days of having underdogs in the PSL are over, as every club is determined to compete for top honors. This belief sets the stage for a highly competitive season, with AmaZulu aiming to make a statement early on against the league's most dominant side.

ZWANE SAYS ‘THIS SEASON WILL BE DIFFICULT FOR EVERYONE’

“I think it doesn’t make any difference [the way Sundowns started],” said Zwane in the press conference.

“I won’t talk a lot about them because I haven’t watched their [repeat] game Chippa United. It will be easy when I’ve watched.

“Then we will plan accordingly from tonight [Saturday] with the coaches. So, we will have to prepare very well because the turnaround time is very short.

“We won’t say now because Sundowns played a draw, it’s going to be easy. What I know is that this season, there’s no underdogs, it will be very, very difficult.

“When you look at games that we played previously against Sundowns, we were hurt by individual brilliance, your Peter Shalulile and Lucas Ribeiro.

“First round and second last season, those were two players that made a huge difference. So, that’s why I’m saying it will be difficult for everyone.

“Yes, they have quality, we have so much respect for them. But we cannot judge them based on their result against Chippa. It’s gonna be a different ball game when they play us.”