Arthur Zwane delighted to see Darren Johnson in goal for AmaZulu

Johnson arrived from Chippa United at the start of the season following the departure of long-serving captain Veli Mothwa.

Initially signed as an understudy, he was thrust into the spotlight sooner than expected after Richard Ofori was sidelined with injury.

Johnson has already caught the eye with composed performances against heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch in the MTN8 quarter-final, and Marumo Gallants. While AmaZulu bowed out of the cup competition early, Zwane views the experience as a blessing in disguise.

Although disappointed by the cup exit, AmaZulu's focus now shifts to stabilising their league campaign, with Johnson expected to remain central to those efforts.

"The goalkeeping department has been a challenge that we've had at the club for some time when you look at the kind of goals we have been conceding," said Zwane.

"When you look at all the best teams, championship-winning teams that is, they all have really good goalkeepers, a stable defence and a finisher.

"When it comes to our goalkeeper, he's done very well, we saw it against Sundowns, Stellenbosch and Gallants as well.

"Another person might say if AmaZulu were in the semi-final, it would have been a good thing for the club, but also maybe it gives players like Johnson an opportunity to grow without a lot of pressure and we appreciate that time."