AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane has warned attacking midfielder Athini Maqokola that the expectations on him will be much higher following his impressive debut season with Usuthu.
The 21-year-old joined AmaZulu at the start of the 2025/26 campaign and quickly became an important part of the team. He finished the season with six goals and four assists across all competitions.
Maqokola’s outstanding campaign also saw him collect four individual awards, including the club’s Player of the Season, Most Improved Player, Best Newcomer and Best Forward.
As a reward for being named the 2025 Usuthu Player of the Season, Maqokola received a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which he will keep for three months.
Zwane, however, has reminded the youngster that success comes with greater responsibility.
The AmaZulu coach told Maqokola that opponents and people around the game will now view him differently, meaning he will have to deal with increased expectations on his shoulders.
“I sat down with him, reminded him where he comes from and told him that it’s not just a club’s project, it’s also his,” said Zwane.
“I told him he must see the future. The challenge for him now will be bigger than last season.
“The dynamics of the game, people will look at him differently, the opponents and even his teammates will look at him differently.
“So, the responsibility on his shoulders will be bigger. But also it will depend on how he conducts himself both on and off the field.”
Zwane believes Maqokola has what it takes to enjoy a successful career, particularly because of his character. He described the youngster as a good boy and recalled that maintaining the same character helped him achieve success during his own playing days.
“But he’s a good boy, if he remains like this he’ll go far. We also made it because we were good boys,” he added.