AmaZulu FC head coach Arthur Zwane has highlighted the contrasting experiences of young players at Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Zwane, who has extensive experience within the Chiefs youth system, having coached there since his retirement as a player, emphasized that the current environment at Chiefs presents unique challenges for young players.
He explained that the team's recent struggles for consistent results create an environment of pressure that can hinder the development of young players.
In contrast, he believes that young players at Pirates thrive in the positive pressure of a winning team.
Zwane pointed out that at Pirates, where the team is consistently achieving positive results, young players are more likely to shine.
The pressure they face is primarily to excel and live up to the expectations and praise they receive, which he considers to be a healthy form of pressure.
He further emphasized that the quality of players within the Chiefs youth system is undeniable, and that many of these players are currently contributing to the first team.
ARTHUR ZWANE ON CHIEFS AND PIRATES YOUNGSTERS: ‘THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE’
“Trust me those players are highly talented and they can carry Kaizer Chiefs,” Zwane told iDiski Times.
“Unfortunately, they are coming into a team that is not getting results consistently whereas at Pirates it is easy because the team is winning so the youngsters will shine because the pressure is not the pressure of losing games but rather the pressure to excel and they hear people saying good things about them.
“That’s good pressure. But the moment you hear people say bad things about you, trust me, it does not matter how good you are – you will struggle to perform.
“That’s the difference for the youngsters at Chiefs and Pirates. But take both back to the DDC and you’ll see just how good the Chiefs boys are.
“The structures at Chiefs are top and the talent there is abundant, there are a lot of quality players and they are getting everything.
“In the first team right now the results are not forthcoming but coach Nabi believes in them and those boys are carrying the team.”
