Former Orlando Pirates coach Zipho Dlangalala believes that the recent form of DStv Premiership clubs Amazulu and Golden Arrows shows they are on course to rewrite the history books.
Amazulu and Golden Arrows are flying high in the South African topflight this term. Usuthu and Abafana Bes’thende are currently placed second and third on the DStv Premiership log respectively. Amazulu in particular have largely impressed under Benni McCarthy and their prominence is one to command praise given how slowly they started their season.
Dlangalala, who is also a native of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), is not surprised by the continued rise of the two Durban clubs and that those who are familiar with the nation’s football history would not be surprised as well. Both sides have been among the surprise packages of the season and now look prime to end the campaign among the top four sides.
“It not a new thing to me, we always knew that KZN has talent and can dominate in football. The reality is that there’s been a lack of fair opportunities for KZN players and coaches,” he said.
“Only young football fans and those who (have not done) their research, are shocked by what is happening in the PSL right now. Those teams are rewriting history. In the past, they were not noticed because of politics in football.
“We’ve been saying… And I’m happy there’s something happening even though I feel this is just the beginning, there’s more coming.
Dlangalala also added that they have enough coaches and players from the region who could be household names in South African football in years to come. The local scene continues to see the rise of top class coaches and there could be yet more to come in recent years.
“We just need to capitalize on coaches like Manqoba Mngqithi and Mandla Ncikazi, some are even not in the limelight, but I believe KZN will reclaim their glory days. As I said, those teams are rewriting the history of South African football.”
Dlangalala previously worked with TS Galaxy as caretaker coach and is currently the nation’s U23 assistant coach. He continues to show his worth at national level and is proving to be one of the country’s tactical geniuses on the sidelines.