Mamelodi Sundowns deny Kaizer Chiefs third straight Betway Premiership win
Mamelodi Sundowns denied Kaizer Chiefs a third consecutive victory in the Betway Premiership after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Arthur Zwane backs Sphesihle Maduna to make immediate impact after AmaZulu return
Maduna made his name at AmaZulu before leaving at the end of the 2022/23 season for Cape Town Spurs. Following Spurs' relegation, he joined Galaxy, where he developed into an important creative player.
The 26-year-old made 35 appearances across all competitions last season and helped the Rockets reach the Nedbank Cup final. He has now returned to Usuthu, where he previously made 86 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing six assists.
Zwane believes Maduna's presence could have made a significant difference in Wednesday's 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against Orlando Pirates.
"Firstly, quality," Zwane told reporters when asked what Maduna brings to his team.
"It is something we lack a little bit. Trust me, if Maduna was fit and available on Wednesday, he was going to make a difference—especially in the middle with those turnovers."
The AmaZulu coach also admitted that changes to his squad have affected the team's balance compared to last season, with several key players having departed.
Zwane is also concerned about the fitness of some of his new arrivals, including forward Moses Shumah, who joined the club late in pre-season.
"Shumah joined us when we had just two weeks left of pre-season. He is far behind," Zwane explained.
The coach said Shumah's lack of preparation has made it difficult for him to immediately adapt to the intensity of the Betway Premiership.
"He last played in May. When he arrived, four weeks of pre-season had already passed," Zwane added.
With Maduna now back in the fold, Zwane will hope the midfielder can quickly settle into the team and provide the creativity and balance AmaZulu need.
Usuthu return to league action on Saturday when they host Siwelele at Kings Park Stadium.
Gavin Hunt draws Mark Williams comparison after Quran Plaatjies’ dream Stellenbosch debut
Stellenbosch head coach Gavin Hunt has likened teenage sensation Quwan Plaatjies to former Bafana Bafana striker Mark Williams after the youngster announced himself in spectacular fashion with a hat-trick on his senior debut.
Asanele Velebayi reveals 'proud moment' after Luke Baartman breaks Kaizer Chiefs duck
Kaizer Chiefs winger Asanele Velebayi has revealed the emotional significance of Luke Baartman's first goal for the club, describing the moment as though he had scored himself.
Orlando Pirates target bounce-back win against Chippa United
Orlando Pirates will look to return to winning ways and keep pace in the Betway Premiership title race when they face Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday.