KZN clubs continue to prove their strength in the Premiership

THE KwaZulu-Natal 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.

- MIHLALI BALEKA.

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.