Usuthu's victory propelled the KwaZulu-Natal outfit to third spot on the Betway Premiership table despite boasting the fourth youngest [26.5years] squad in the league.
"I am proud of them [youngsters]," said coach Zwane after the last gasp victory.
"The little man, he has got a big heart [Siphamandla] Zikhali, stabilized our midfield, he knows how to use the ball, he's got football brains, football insight, the way he reads the game, he is going far."
The 20-year-old midfielder was making his third appearance since being promoted to the senior team from the DStv Diski Challenge side in November 2025 but claimed the Man of the Match award for the performance against Rise and Shine.
Meanwhile, matchwinner Thapelo Matlhoko, who ironically like Zikhali, joined the club from lower division side Kruger United last year, was also just making his fourth substitute appearance for the club since his debut in the 2-1 win against Stellenbosch last September.
"So, we are proud to have such youngsters who grab the opportunity, more especially this time of the season where we have lost nearly six of our key players who started the season," added the former Kaizer Chiefs head coach.
"But yea, opportunities are there for everyone and I'm happy they are grabbing their opportunities with both hands.
The Durban based side will next be in action after the FIFA international break where they will host fifth placed Sekhukhune United at the Princess Magogo Stadium, with only three points separating the two sides.
Orlando Pirates sent a resounding statement in the Betway Premiership title race with a ruthless 6-0 demolition of TS Galaxy, as head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hailed both the performance and mentality of his squad.
Pressure continues to mount at Magesi FC, but head coach Allan Freese has firmly pushed back against claims that he is to blame for the club's ongoing poor run of form.
It was a day of fine margins in the Betway Premiership as Golden Arrows, Siwelele and Durban City each secured hard-fought 1-0 victories, with late drama and decisive finishing proving the difference across three tightly contested encounters.
Orlando Pirates produced a dominant display with a Rele Mofokeng hat-trick boosting them to a 6-0 victory against ten-man TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership clash at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.
