AmaZulu FC are setting their sights on becoming regular winners against South Africa's biggest clubs. Defender Sandile Mthethwa has outlined the club's ambition to consistently beat Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns as part of their growth under coach Arthur Zwane.

"We are in a process with coach Arthur. You can see that we are just growing since he started," Mthethwa said. The defender also emphasised the desire to see more AmaZulu players earn call-ups to Bafana Bafana. "We want our players to go to the national team. We also want to win against so-called big teams."

This ambition comes as the team sits third in the Premier Soccer League with 16 points from seven matches. They are just four points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, a team they have struggled against historically. Their last victory over Sundowns came in December 2021, a 1-0 win at Kings Park Stadium under then-coach Benni McCarthy that ended a 17-game unbeaten run for the champions.

Their record against the other giants is similarly sparse. Usuthu last defeated Orlando Pirates in a league match at FNB Stadium back in August 2013, with Bongani Ndulula scoring the only goal. A more recent triumph came against Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout round of 16 in October 2023, secured by a Taariq Fielies goal.

Zwane's tenure has shown clear progress, with the team improving from a sixth-place finish in his first season to fourth last term. The current campaign sees them well-placed in the standings to challenge. Their recent form is strong, with four wins from their last five league games, including a 1-0 victory over Polokwane City last week thanks to Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya's early strike.

Ngwenya has been key, leading the team's scoring charts with eight goals this season. The squad's depth and form will be tested in their next outing, an away trip to face Durban City on 16 October. Ending that match with three points would further cement their top-three position and demonstrate the consistency needed to finally topple the established elite.

Further reading: sowetan.co.za