PSL TRANSFER FOCUS: AMAZULU FC

Towards the end of last week, AmaZulu FC announced a comprehensive squad restructuring ahead of the 2025/26 season. 16 players departed the club as part of a strategic vision to build a competitive and sustainable team for the future. The changes reflect the club’s commitment to finding the right balance between experience and youth while optimising squad dynamics.

Experience Transition

The club made the difficult decision to part ways with nine players over the age of 30, acknowledging their valuable contributions while recognising the need for squad renewal. Among the departing veterans, goalkeeper Veli Mothwa (34) and defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele (35) brought significant experience to the squad, with Mphahlele featuring in 16 matches during the 2024/25 campaign. Augustine Mulenga (35) and Mbongeni Gumede (31) also conclude their time with Usuthu after contributing to the club’s recent campaigns.

Wayde Jooste (32) was a regular feature in the squad with 21 league appearances, while Abbubaker Mobara (31) contributed 14 league appearances throughout the season. The departures of Thembela Sikhakhane (32), Junior Dion (31), and Kwanda Mngonyama (31) complete the transition away from the older generation of players.

The visual below shows how AmaZulu utilised their players, relative to age, highlighting which players were heavily relied upon (above-average minutes) and which age group they fall into.

Youth Movement and Long-Term Decisions

Several younger players who featured consistently last season, aged 25-30, are also moving on as part of the club’s planning. Two notable departures involve promising young talents. Rowan Human (24), who made 27 league appearances with 3 goals and 6 assists, demonstrated his potential during the season. Ethan Brooks (24) was also a regular feature with 23 league appearances, showing his value to the squad structure. Msindisi Kunene (23) also departs the club. Boniface Haba (28) and Andile Mbanjwa (27) are among those leaving, along with Sandile Khumalo (27) and Skhulile Manyoni.

The club has also concluded loan arrangements for two players who return to Mamelodi Sundowns. Etiosa Ighodaro (23) had a productive spell, scoring 5 goals in 25 league appearances, which proved his potential at this level. Sifiso Ngobeni (28) also returns after contributing 10 league appearances and 1 assist during his loan period. In a significant piece of transfer business, the club agreed to sell Tshepang Moremi (24) to Orlando Pirates. The versatile player, who registered 3 goals and 7 assists in 29 league appearances, was their highest goal and assist contributor of the past campaign.

Looking Forward

The extensive squad changes position AmaZulu FC to build a more cohesive unit for the upcoming season(s). This restructuring may provide an opportunity for the club to promote younger players from the academy system. As AmaZulu FC prepares for the pre-season, the foundation has been laid for a fresh chapter, one where creating a balanced squad is capable of achieving the club’s ambitious future objectives. After finishing in the Top8 for the first time in a few seasons, Arthur Zwane and management will have an eye on going further up the table.