AmaZulu co-coach Vusi Vilakazi is enthusiastic about capitalizing on Kaizer Chiefs’ recent difficulties when the teams clash at FNB Stadium on Tuesday. Chiefs are still recovering from a devastating last-minute defeat to Orlando Pirates at the same venue last Saturday.
Patrick Maswanganyi’s debated Panenka penalty paved the way for the victory for Pirates during the packed Soweto derby. These intense encounters can take a toll on players’ mental state, and AmaZulu is determined to leverage the quick turnaround for Chiefs.
“We need to seize the chance presented by their recent defeat,” declared Vilakazi, whose team approaches the match buoyed by a victory over SuperSport United at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
“Bouncing back from a defeat to secure a win can be challenging, but we enter the match brimming with confidence following a hard-fought success.
“We firmly believe that if we perform to the best of our abilities, we can achieve great results on the day.
“I believe this gives us a mental edge, as it suggests, ‘These guys just suffered a loss; let’s take advantage while they’re still affected by it.’”
Vilakazi shares co-coaching duties at AmaZulu with former Chiefs winger Arthur Zwane, who joined the team in October. Zwane, who concluded his tenure as head coach with Chiefs in the 2022/23 season, where he led them to a fifth-place finish, contributes extensive knowledge about the Amakhosi.
Zwane played for the Chiefs from 2000 to 2010, making 252 appearances, scoring 32 goals, and securing 12 trophies during that period.
Vilakazi recognized the significance of Zwane’s insights, given his two decades of experience at Naturena across various roles.
“It’s evident; he (Zwane) understands Kaizer Chiefs inside and out,” Vilakazi commented, eliciting laughter from the journalists present.
“Even with a new coach at the helm, he remains aware of their strengths and weaknesses. We will depend on his expertise and support him in any way we can.
“Just as I have never lost against Gavin Hunt, I’m eager to embrace this challenge.”
