AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane has praised the progress of football in KwaZulu-Natal after three clubs from the province secured places in next season’s MTN8 competition.

AmaZulu, Golden Arrows and Durban City FC all finished inside the Betway Premiership Top 8, marking a significant achievement for a region that has often struggled to match the dominance of Gauteng-based clubs.AmaZulu confirmed fourth place after edging Durban City 1-0 in a tightly contested derby at Chatsworth Stadium.Defender Nkosikhona Radebe scored the winning goal with a second-half header.Although Durban City lost the match, they still managed to finish eighth and book their place in the MTN8.Speaking after the game, Zwane said the achievement reflects the depth of football talent in KwaZulu-Natal.He stressed the importance of properly identifying, developing and supporting young players from the province so they can reach their full potential.Zwane also commended Durban City for their impressive season, particularly after winning the Nedbank Cup earlier in the campaign.Their triumph ended a lengthy wait for major silverware in the province and added to the growing optimism around football in KwaZulu-Natal.

AmaZulu’s strong finish under Zwane has boosted confidence at the club ahead of next season, while Golden Arrows continued to show consistency throughout the campaign.Durban City’s rise has further strengthened belief that clubs from the province can regularly challenge South Africa’s traditional football powers.With three KwaZulu-Natal teams now competing among the country’s top sides, expectations are rising for an even stronger showing next season.