AmaZulu FC delivered a clinical first-half performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Siwelele FC in their Betway Premiership clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday afternoon.
The win momentarily elevates the KwaZulu-Natal outfit to second on the league standings, driven by goals from Mlondi Mbanjwa and the in-form Thandolwethu Ngwenya.
Following a cagey opening period where both sides probed for tactical upper hands, Usuthu seized the early initiative. Central defender Taariq Fielies, making his milestone 90th appearance for the club, registered the game’s first notable opening inside ten minutes when he headed a poorly cleared cross straight into the keeper’s arms.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute through a swift attacking combination. Athini Maqokolo split the visitors’ defence with a pinpoint through ball to Ngwenya, who unselfishly set up Mbanjwa to finish smartly, registering his first goal of the campaign.
Ngwenya turned from architect to finisher shortly before the interval, turning home a precise right-wing delivery from Nkosikhona Radebe. The strike marked Ngwenya’s third goal in as many games and his fifth of the season across all competitions, sending Usuthu into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion.
The second stanza proved far less fluid, characterised by limited clear-cut chances and squandered opportunities by the hosts. A brilliant, adventurous run from deep by defender Riaan Hanamub ultimately yielded nothing after his heavy touch inside the box allowed Siwelele’s defence to clear the danger.
The visitors enjoyed sporadic spells of possession, but Usuthu’s defensive unit comfortably contained the Bloemfontein side’s tame attack to preserve the clean sheet and extend their unbeaten start to the league campaign.
Despite the maximum points, AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane expressed sharp dissatisfaction with his team’s second-half application and lack of discipline. While acknowledging the efforts of his starting lineup, who completed their third match in ten days. Zwane delivered a stern message regarding player standards and finishing off games.
“I cannot complain about the players who started the game because they have played three games in ten days,” Zwane noted after the match. “Because we trust them, we managed them, and they went out there and gave it their all. But for a fresh member coming on, you must show that you want to be part of the starting eleven, not just be a player who adds numbers.”
Zwane made it clear that individual lapses in the second half would not be tolerated as Usuthu look to maintain their position near the top of the table. “I’m disappointed with some players. They need to know that at this level, if you want to win things, you have to be disciplined.
If players are going to go out there and play for themselves rather than within the structure and respecting our principles, then we cannot work together. I set standards, and those standards must be met whether they like it or not, because I am not happy with that second half.”
