AmaZulu FC's hopes for silverware this season came to an abrupt end as they were eliminated from the Nedbank Cup by Marumo Gallants, following a narrow defeat at the DR Molemela Stadium on Saturday.
The match, which marked another missed opportunity for the Durban-based side, was marred by contentious refereeing decisions that have drawn the ire of co-coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi.
Gallants struck first in the 18th minute with a stunning solo effort from Junior Zindoga. The goal came at a time when AmaZulu were trying to find their footing in a game that promised much but ultimately delivered disappointment.
Lol, he even brought an exhibit https://t.co/VNbEk5bjU9
The result means AmaZulu have now exited two major competitions this season, after also failing to progress in the Carling Knockout Cup earlier in the year.
The match's turning point came in the 25th minute when Rowan Human, AmaZulu’s in-form attacker, was brought down in the penalty area. However, referee Thando Nzandzeka chose to wave play on, a decision that left Vilakazi visibly frustrated.
Adding to the controversy, AmaZulu appeared to have scored an equaliser in the second half, a goal that was controversially disallowed, leaving them with no chance to right the ship.
Expressing his disappointment, Vilakazi stated, “Well, I think we were definitely disappointed with the results; we wanted to advance to another stage and possibly play in CAF competitions. We had an agreement with the players that we’d soldier on till the end.”
He also emphasised that while the team was proud of their hard work, the integrity of the game must be upheld.
“It’s very disappointing when a game has to be decided by a referee. We don’t mind losing a game, but it must be fair to everyone.”
Reflecting on the disallowed goal, Vilakazi added, “We were very much impressed with the effort that these boys put in, but it’s disheartening to see a goal being denied when it could have changed our fate in the Nedbank Cup.”
His comments suggest a deeper concern regarding the consistency and quality of officiating in key matches involving Usuthu in the past with former coaches Romain Folz and Pablo Martin having expressed their displeasure in the past.
Despite the heartache, Vilakazi remained committed to his squad, asserting, “We are not coaches or a team that always complains about referees.
“We don’t even talk about referees, but it’s very disappointing today because that goal decided our fate in the Nedbank Cup.”
23 - Only Sundowns (30) have won more points than AmaZulu since Arthur Zwane & Vusumuzi Vilakazi’s first game in charge. Newsletter.
— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) February 10, 2025
10 weekend stats:🔗 https://t.co/HddmCouIQ0 pic.twitter.com/PhUUyLMjmK
As the dust settles on this latest setback, the focus now shifts back to the Betway Premiership, where AmaZulu, in sixth place, will look to regroup and re-establish their momentum with a clash against Sekhukhune on the horizon.
The KwaZulu Natal-based outfit are unbeaten in three matches in league action and are now six points behind third-place Polokwane City which gives them a glimmer of hope in their chase for CAF Confederation Cup football next season.