Some practical relegation advice for Barker’s AmaZulu
THERE’S a world of difference between the Absa Premiership and the National First Division (NFD) – and the sooner AmaZulu adjust to the changes, the better it will be as they attempt to bounce back up after their recent relegation.
For starters, their monthly grant of R1.5 million in the PSL will shrink to R350 000. That will affect the entire club, from the squad to the technical team, as well as administrative staff and management.
What AmaZulu need to do is to accept their fate, plan how to get back up, and stand united throughout the campaign. That’s the advice from the Lamontville Golden Arrows general manager, James Dlamini, whose team won immediate promotion after last season’s relegation.
“You need proper planning in terms of management of the budget, building a team, and, most importantly, to be focused on the goal of getting back up,” said Dlamini.
One huge advantage for Usuthu, Dlamini said, was that in Steve Barker they had a coach who was highly experienced in the NFD, having laid the foundation for University of Pretoria’s successful push for promotion three seasons ago.
The budget cut will affect the squad because they won’t be able to afford all the players on their current packages.
Then there will be players who wish to leave, as well as those who won’t be suited to the First Division’s rugged and high-paced play. AmaZulu winger Asive Langwe, who is among a number of players leaving the club. He will return to Bidvest Wits.
The rules also impact on the squad – NFD sides can register only three foreigners, and they must field at least five players under 23 years.
“You have to mix youth with experience and in terms of the under-23, rule you must make sure to have very good players,” said Dlamini, who cut his teeth in football administration with AmaZulu.
“You need to remove those players who won’t be part of your plans so that once you start pre-season, you have a fixed group. If players don’t want to be a part of the group they will cause problems, so it’s best not to hold them back – settle their contracts immediately, and wo rk with those who want to stay.
“There’s a big hole in the pocket, which also affects the office staff, so people have to decide if they want a salary cut or to be chopped.”
AmaZulu are already losing striker Bonginkosi Ntuli, who returns to parent club Mamelodi Sundowns. Winger Asive Langwe goes back to Bidvest Wits, and Roscoe Pietersen’s loan deal from Supersport United ends in June.
However, it would be important to retain certain players on the same salary packages and benefits, said Dlamini.
“For those players that you want to keep, you sit them down early and talk about their contracts.
“It’s important that players are still treated professionally. You have to provide proper transport and hotels. At the same time there are no stars – it’s all teamwork.”
The team needed people who would be there when the chips were down. Unity was vital, and everyone must talk of being No 1, Dlamini said.