AmaZulu concluded their 2025 league schedule with a disciplined, defensively assured performance to overcome Golden Arrows 1–0 in Umlazi.
The result elevated Arthur Zwane’s side to third place, reinforcing their strong first half of the campaign. A decisive individual contribution from Riaan Hanamub and a composed late showing from young goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela ensured that Usuthu closed the year within one point of second position.
AmaZulu secured a narrow but significant 1–0 victory over Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Tuesday evening, closing out their 2025 Betway Premiership fixtures on a positive note. The win moved Usuthu to third in the standings, one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns. The team will resume league action on 25 January against TS Galaxy at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Golden Arrows, meanwhile, remained 10th—three points adrift of eighth-placed Durban City—and will return to competition on 20 January with a challenging fixture against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.
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The match’s early phase was disrupted for AmaZulu when first-choice goalkeeper Darren Johnson suffered an injury just before the half-hour mark. The former South Africa U23 international was unable to continue and was replaced in the 27th minute by 24-year-old Olwethu Mzimela, who went on to play a decisive role in the result.
Golden Arrows gained momentum late in the first half and earned a penalty following a foul on Siyanda Ndlovu inside the area. Sede Junior Dion took responsibility for the spot-kick but struck the crossbar in stoppage time. AmaZulu entered the interval level at 0–0, benefitting from a moment that temporarily shifted the match’s momentum.
AmaZulu emerged from the interval with greater attacking intent and were rewarded in the 56th minute. Left-back Riaan Hanamub cut inside before striking powerfully with his right foot—his less favoured side—beating goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo with a finish of notable quality. The assist came from 22-year-old midfielder Liam Bern, whose influence has grown steadily over recent weeks.
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Golden Arrows responded by increasing their attacking numbers, with coach Manqoba Mngqithi introducing Brandon Theron in the 67th minute to carry more threat in advanced areas. Despite this shift, AmaZulu maintained defensive structure and looked well-organised in transition.
The decisive moment of the closing quarter arrived in the 79th minute when Arrows generated their clearest sequence of chances. Mzimela produced an outstanding double save, denying first Angelo van Rooi and then Theron, preserving AmaZulu’s advantage. His interventions proved central to managing the final stages and protecting the single-goal lead.
AmaZulu ultimately closed out the match with composure, securing a victory that consolidates their position in the upper tier of the table and offers a strong platform heading into the break.
– Edited report from PSL website
Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
