Usuthu climbed to third in the Betway Premiership despite fielding the league’s fourth youngest squad, averaging just 26.5 years.
“I am proud of them [youngsters],” said coach Zwane after the last gasp victory.
“The little man, he has got a big heart [Siphamandla] Zikhali, stabilized our midfield, he knows how to use the ball, he’s got football brains, football insight, the way he reads the game, he is going far.”
The 20-year-old midfielder was making his third appearance since being promoted to the senior team from the DStv Diski Challenge side in November 2025 but claimed the Man of the Match award for the performance against Rise and Shine.
Meanwhile, matchwinner Thapelo Matlhoko, who ironically like Zikhali, joined the club from lower division side Kruger United last year, was also just making his fourth substitute appearance for the club since his debut in the 2-1 win against Stellenbosch last September.
READ: Matlhoko’s Late Finish Hands AmaZulu Victory Over Polokwane
“So, we are proud to have such youngsters who grab the opportunity, more especially this time of the season where we have lost nearly six of our key players who started the season,” added the former Kaizer Chiefs head coach.
“But yea, opportunities are there for everyone and I’m happy they are grabbing their opportunities with both hands.
The Durban based side will next be in action after the FIFA international break where they will host fifth placed Sekhukhune United at the Princess Magogo Stadium, with only three points separating the two sides.