DURBAN – Going back to their roots has helped AmaZulu in what was a very difficult 2018.
Two months ago, Usuthu visited KwaNongoma, where the team was born. According to coach Cavin Johnson, that has really been very helpful in their resurgence.
Usuthu were docked six points after failing to comply with the Fifa rules.
“King Zwelithini has been good to us.
“Three months ago, somebody wrote a magic article about Nongoma. It is not about that, but it is about being African and staying true to being an African.
“We went to Nongoma and we found out about where AmaZulu was born. Those are things that are outside football, and you bring them back to football. That’s what AmaZulu is about,” Johnson said.
AmaZulu are now 10th on the log with 16 points after 15 league matches. Losing six points didn’t demoralise Usuthu.
“Like I’ve been saying the whole season, the points have never been part of my vocabulary. It has always been part of yours.
“I always say if you are good to the game of football, the game of football will be good to you.
“If you keep on using outside influences to affect the game, then you will get fined again because I believe that football was invented before the rules and regulations.
“The points were never in the game before, and I’m always true to that,” Johnson added.
AmaZulu will go on the Christmas break and come back to prepare for the second half of the season on December 30.
“I wish my players well. I wish that they can spend this five days with their families as much as their can.
“It is about identifying and looking back when they are with their families or girlfriends and analyse their own situation because at the end of the day, it is not Cavin Johnson United or Cavin Johnson Football Club.
“The name of the team is AmaZulu, and it is made up of 35 players, not 11 players. That is important,” Johnson explained.
Usuthu will open the second round with the trip to Limpopo, where they will face Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on January 5.
Happy Holidays Usuthu family 💚
Reasons to 😁
🔘 Unbeaten at home
🔘 4️⃣ wins from our last 5️⃣ games
🔘 Strength in Unity
🔘 Amazing support base #Usuthu_Unite pic.twitter.com/ErYH7pQUkL
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) December 22, 2018
“The programme is simple. We will get together and do physical tests.
“We will allow them to go home and in that time, they have to do something within the five days (that we’ve given to them).
“They have been told to stay away from the money games in townships. They have been told to go there as celebrities, not as players.
“If they adhere, they will come back in better positions,” Johnson said.
AmaZulu are unlikely to make changes in the upcoming transfer window period. They recently signed Ayabulela Konqobe, who was a free agent.
Good morning 👊🏾
An appreciation post to our wonderful fans, thanks for everything. Have a safe and happy festive season. See you in the new year 💚 #Usuthu_Unite pic.twitter.com/gICcBwkeIE
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) December 23, 2018
@Minenhlecr7