Latest news with #AmaZuluFC
The South African
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs wonderkid on AmaZulu's radar
Kaizer Chiefs' young talent Manqoba Ozoemena is being eyed by AmaZulu FC, as former Amakhosi coach Arthur Zwane looks to reunite with the versatile player he once mentored at Naturena. With Kaizer Chiefs currently deep into their pre-season preparations in the Netherlands, five DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) players joined the senior squad for the European tour. Among them, 20-year-old Ozoemena has stood out, attracting serious attention from AmaZulu's technical team. Sources close to both clubs have confirmed that AmaZulu have officially expressed interest in securing Ozoemena's services for the upcoming season. Head coach Arthur Zwane, who previously worked with the player at Chiefs, has reportedly endorsed the move. 'It's believed that the AmaZulu FC technical team has proposed to management about Manqoba (Ozoemena). Coach Arthur (Zwane) knows him very well and he believes that the player can help the team this season as they compete in the MTN8 and the other tournaments as well,' said a source familiar with the negotiations. Zwane's belief in Ozoemena's ability seems to be a key driver behind AmaZulu's pursuit, with the coach confident the youngster can contribute immediately in multiple competitions. AmaZulu's interest in Ozoemena forms part of a wider recruitment strategy ahead of the 2025/2026 season. Another insider revealed that Usuthu have already signed several players and remain active in the market. 'At the moment there are about three or four players already believed to have been signed. And the club is still looking at reinforcing the squad and that's why they have enquired about Manqoba Ozoemena,' the source revealed. This proactive transfer approach highlights AmaZulu's ambitions under Zwane. With a clear focus on building a squad capable of challenging across all fronts. Ozoemena, a Soweto-born right-sided dynamo who can slot in at both right-back and right wing. And has trained with the Amakhosi first team since last season. He travelled with the senior squad to the Netherlands. Hoping to convince new head coach Nasreddine Nabi of his readiness for top-flight football. Whether Nabi chooses to retain the promising 20-year-old or allow him to gain experience elsewhere remains a critical decision for Chiefs' development plans. Kaizer Chiefs fans will now wait anxiously to see if the club holds on to one of their brightest academy graduates. Or if Ozoemena makes the switch to KwaZulu-Natal to reunite with Zwane at AmaZulu. Will AmaZulu be a good place for the Kaizer Chiefs young star? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates: New faces, recovery updates, transfer chase
Orlando Pirates' pre-season training in Spain is now in full swing, with the club unveiling a clear strategy of rebuilding and refreshing their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The addition of nine new players, including promising young talents such as Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis, has brought renewed energy to the camp. The coaching staff is closely monitoring their progress, aiming to blend youthful exuberance with the experience of established squad members. The mood within the squad remains professional and focused, despite the looming departure of Mohau Nkota, who is set to complete a transfer to Saudi Arabia's Ettifaq Club. Nkota's goals and attacking contributions were instrumental last season, making his exit a notable loss. However, the Buccaneers appear determined to adapt quickly, working hard to build a team capable of competing strongly both domestically and on the continental stage. On the injury front, defender Olisa Ndah is making encouraging progress as he nears a return from a lengthy layoff. His presence will strengthen Orlando Pirates' backline, which has been tested during pre-season due to absences. Meanwhile, off the pitch, reports have emerged linking the Buccaneers to Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro, a player who impressed during his recent loan spell at AmaZulu FC. If completed, this signing could offer valuable attacking options, helping to fill the void left by Nkota and increase competition for starting places upfront. The future of talented midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng remains a key talking point. With interest reportedly coming from European clubs, his stay at Pirates is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, the club is focusing on assembling a balanced squad ready to challenge for trophies, regardless of the outcome. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Why AmaZulu FC released 17 players: A calculated reset for the future
AmaZulu FC say their decision to release 17 players was a calculated reset to reverse a worrying decline and back head coach Arthur Zwane's vision to return the club to the top. Speaking at the launch of the 2025 KZN Premier's Cup this week, club spokesperson Philani Ndlela said the mass clear-out was not just a reaction to recent results, but a strategic move shaped by where the team wants to go. 'If you look at the last five seasons, the club finished inside the top eight three times and twice outside. We played one cup final, which we lost, and you can see that in the last five seasons we did not do as well as we expected – in as much as we got an opportunity to play in the CAF Champions League,' said Ndlela. 'But our graph kept going down instead of going up, so it was important for us to have a turnaround.' AmaZulu ended the 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign in sixth place, securing a spot in the MTN8. While that finish could be seen as progress, Ndlela insisted it wasn't enough for a club with ambitions of lifting trophies. The arrival of Arthur Zwane last season — initially as co-coach alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi — marked the beginning of that turnaround. Vilakazi has since departed, and Zwane has been trusted to lead a long-term project centred on youth and tactical evolution. 'When we saw coach Arthur Zwane bringing in new and fresh ideas in the team, it was important for us to go back to the drawing board to bring in younger players that are going to help us get back to the top,' Ndlela explained. Alongside Zwane, AmaZulu have bolstered their technical team by roping in Simo Dladla as an assistant coach.
IOL News
11-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Why AmaZulu FC released 17 players: A calculated reset for the future
Arthur Zwane AMAZULU FC head coach Arthur Zwane has been tasked with leading the club into a technical evolution. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix AmaZulu FC say their decision to release 17 players was a calculated reset to reverse a worrying decline and back head coach Arthur Zwane's vision to return the club to the top. Speaking at the launch of the 2025 KZN Premier's Cup this week, club spokesperson Philani Ndlela said the mass clear-out was not just a reaction to recent results, but a strategic move shaped by where the team wants to go. 'If you look at the last five seasons, the club finished inside the top eight three times and twice outside. We played one cup final, which we lost, and you can see that in the last five seasons we did not do as well as we expected – in as much as we got an opportunity to play in the CAF Champions League,' said Ndlela. 'But our graph kept going down instead of going up, so it was important for us to have a turnaround.' AmaZulu ended the 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign in sixth place, securing a spot in the MTN8. While that finish could be seen as progress, Ndlela insisted it wasn't enough for a club with ambitions of lifting trophies. The arrival of Arthur Zwane last season — initially as co-coach alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi — marked the beginning of that turnaround. Vilakazi has since departed, and Zwane has been trusted to lead a long-term project centred on youth and tactical evolution. 'When we saw coach Arthur Zwane bringing in new and fresh ideas in the team, it was important for us to go back to the drawing board to bring in younger players that are going to help us get back to the top,' Ndlela explained. Alongside Zwane, AmaZulu have bolstered their technical team by roping in Simo Dladla as an assistant coach. Dladla recently made headlines after guiding Durban City to the top flight and is seen as a forward-thinking football mind who complements Zwane's approach. Despite the large-scale changes, the Usuthu camp remains calm. Ndlela emphasised that there is no panic behind the scenes, and that the leadership believes in the path the club is taking under Zwane. 'To be honest with you, there's no anxiety in the team. There's a lot of maturity in the technical team and the management of the club, and that's why we have full confidence in coach Zwane and what he's doing.' AmaZulu will give fans a first look at their revamped squad during the 2025 edition of the KZN Premier's Cup, as they prepare for a season that could define the club's long-term future. Having hit reset, the pressure will now be on Zwane and his new-look team to steer the club's graph in the right direction — upward.
The South African
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates: Appollis arrival intensifies Mofokeng exit talks
Orlando Pirates have announced the arrival of Polokwane City attacker Oswin Appollis after a year-long pursuit – a week after signing AmaZulu FC winger Tshepang Moremi. This comes amid growing speculation of a Relebohile Mofokeng exit, who has garnered interest from MLS club FC Cincinnati, Ah Ahly, and Zamalek FC. Furthermore, another factor throwing fuel to the fire is the Mofokeng's father, Sechaba, who revealed his wish to see the Orlando Pirates star in Europe new season. You can be certain he will be relaying this information directly to Mofokeng, who will presumably like the thought of chopping it up with the world's best. 'My biggest wish is to see Rele overseas in 2025/2026. I'm praying every day. I don't want to see him in the Betway Premiership again this season. I know God will answer my prayers,' Sechaba said, intensifying speculation of his son's Orlando Pirates exit. '[Whether it's in] Spain, England, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Switzerland — Rele can play. I believe that with all my heart. Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country. I'll be happy — but not Saudi Arabia,' he added. 'Not yet. He's still young. He needs to compete in UEFA competitions. If he goes to Saudi now, he won't experience that. Yes, he'd be rich — but happiness is more important. You can have all the money in the world, but if you're not happy, it's worthless.' Orlando Pirates have yet to comment on Mofokeng's future. The club rejected a R25.8 million bid in January – early signs of what's to come. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
