KZN clubs flatter to deceive in the top flight
THE line-up for next season’s MTN8 competition was decided on Saturday as Premiership clubs found out their opponents for the first available silverware of the new season.
The promotion of Richards Bay FC for the 2022/23 campaign raised optimism levels in KwaZulu-Natal as the odds of bringing back a trophy to the province grew with five teams contending in the top flight.
But the conclusion of the season saw an alarming reality come to the fore as Golden Arrows (ninth), Royal AM (11th), AmaZulu (12th), Richards Bay (13th) and Maritzburg United (15th) finished outside the top eight.
Here, Smiso Msomi looks at
where it went wrong for KZN clubs.
Golden Arrows: Inexperience and injuries
The best finishers of the KZN clubs, Abafana Bes’thende had a difficult start to the campaign as their lack of quality and experience saw them begin the season on the backfoot.
However, a bit of business in the January transfer market – mainly Ntsako Makhubela – saw them pick up good results. But the latter stage of the season proved tough for Arrows as they lost Bafana international and club captain Thabani Zuke and other key players to injuries, resulting in them missing
out on the top eight on the final day.
Royal AM: Off-field controversy
The 2022/23 season saw the club lose their chief executive officer in Sinky Mnisi and the formation and then dismantling of a co-coaching set-up that raised eyebrows at the beginning of the season.
While the players must take responsibility, the management of the club have certainly contributed to an unstable environment.
AmaZulu: Under-performance and a toxic changeroom
Usuthu undoubtedly possess one of the best squads in the DStv
Premiership but the club’s failure to get the best out of these figures has seen them have a poor season.
From Brandon Truter to Romain Folz and now Ayanda Dlamini, the changeroom has also resembled a toxic space as players were shipped in and out as well.
Richards Bay: Loss of key figures and complacency
The top-flight new-boys enjoyed one of the best first rounds of any promoted club in then PSL-era as they occupied second place halfway through the season.
Head coach Vasili Manousakis said that he felt his side took their foot off the pedal and that combined with the passing of captain Sphamandla Mtolo, and losing Salim Magoola to suspension, led to their lackluster second round.
Maritzburg United: No goals, no joy
The play-off bound Team of Choice finished as the second lowest scoring team in the league which contributed largely to their inability to collect points.
Coaches John Maduka and Fadlu Davids tried innovative strategies and failed, but they now have an opportunity to save themselves through the play-offs.