In 2022 AmaZulu released 15 players in one of the biggest clear-outs in the PSL. Yet another mass exodus is on the cards after a dismal campaign which saw three coaches axed. Mlu Mdletshe reports.
“There are 11 players that have been let go. They have been formally informed in their presence through their agents that we have chosen to not renew their contracts or we have chosen not to exercise the option we had.”
These were the desolating words spoken by Sandile Zungu – the owner of AmaZulu football club during a live press conference held in Durban on Monday, where he confirmed that the club is starting what he called ‘a decade of significance’.
The press conference and changes announced come after AmaZulu only finished in 12th position on the log this season, almost trembling down into the relegation fight after changing coaches twice – with Brandon Truter and Romain Folz being shown the exit door.
Out of respect for some of the players departing the club, Zungu said he wouldn’t mention their names, but he did list one veteran who would no longer be with the team next season.
Now, we already know that media reports have been suggesting that Veli Mothwa, Rally Bwalwa, Sphesihle Maduna and Mxolisi Kunene are among the 11 names on the cub’s exodus list, but we took a look at each of the other players and backroom staff who might be following Folz to the exit door:
Romain Folz
Announced his resignation as the club’s technical director – sighting that he wants to be a coach and not a technical director
Ayanda Dlamini
The club has chosen not to reward coach Ayanda Dlamini with the substantive head coach position, and will leave as a result.
Team scout Ayanda Mkhize, general manager Tshepiso Mofokeng and team manager Qedi Dlamini have also left the club with Zungu stating,
“The team manager is not going to stay on board, Ayanda Mkhize and the GM are not going to stay on board and they have been informed that it was nice to have you guys but this is bigger than me,” said Zungu.
"We are very happy with the role that Fohloza played in AmaZulu."
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) June 6, 2023
AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu has revealed Romain Folz left the club because he wants to get back into coaching even though he wanted to retain the French coach in an advisory role. https://t.co/kitefEC2P5 pic.twitter.com/OuqAUgVzx4
Lehlohonolo Majoro
Scored 90 goals for Usuthu over two stints;
At the age of 36, it remains to be seen whether the seasoned striker will continue his footballing career next season or will hang up his boots after being released by the club.
Thabo Qalinge
Contact expires at the end of June, and it won’t be renewed by the club. Qalinge scored once in his 11 matches in all competitions, with his goal coming when they drew 1-1 with Richards Bay in January.
Dumisani Zuma
The club turned down the opportunity to trigger the option to renew his contract and will leave as a free agent.
Ramahlwe Mpahlele
Among the first to be demoted under Folz, when they were informed that they will not be part of the club next season. It remains to be seen if he has revived his chances of getting another contract.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 ‼️
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) June 5, 2023
Sandile Zungu has announced that Lehlohonolo Majoro is one of the players who have left AmaZulu.
"We say big thank you to Major, for his exemplary role he has played at AmaZulu Football Club. We wish him all the best." pic.twitter.com/n1wxfX3QsR
Zungu concluded that he wants to appoint a sporting director who is going to oversee things right down to the development ranks.
The Usuthu president also announced that the club has already made three signings, with two of them being signed from the second division. Though he did not want to reveal their names, he did confirm the arrival of Celimpilo Ngema on a free transfer from Marumo Gallants.
Confirmed that Celimpilo Ngema of Marumo Gallants has signed a pre-contract with @AmaZuluFootball and will join at the start of the new season. pic.twitter.com/YWGUBb0CtS
— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e) June 5, 2023
