AmaZulu’s 2024/25 campaign was one of resilience and transformation, as the club rebounded from a sluggish start in the Betway Premiership to secure a commendable top-eight finish.
Despite early-season struggles, Usuthu found their rhythm when it mattered most, closing the campaign on a high note.
The KwaZulu-Natal side kicked off the season under Spanish tactician Pablo Franco Martin, aiming to improve upon their previous 11th-place finish. However, initial inconsistencies threatened to derail their ambitions, leaving the squad in search of much-needed stability.
That turning point arrived when a familiar figure, ‘10111’—the nickname of an influential individual within the club—stepped in to steady the ship and inject renewed belief into the team.
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Through tactical adjustments, determination, and a late-season surge, AmaZulu defied the odds to climb the table and cement their place in the upper half.
Their resurgence not only showcased the squad’s grit but also hinted at promising prospects for the seasons ahead, as Usuthu continue their push for greater heights in South African football.
Usuthu made six signings ahead of the season, including striker Etiosa Ighodaro, Kwanda Mngonyama, midfielder Luvuyo Phewa (all on loan) and Guinean midfielder Boniface Haba from Botolo Pro side Olympic Club de Safi.
However, the team made a disastrous start to their campaign, losing their opening three Betway Premiership matches, leaving the team rooted at the bottom of the table.
President Sandile Zungu’s then announced the signing of Ghanaian goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who was secured as a free agent to bolster the keeper’s department following some costly displays from Veli Mothwa.
This triggered the club to part ways with Pablo Martin, replacing him with co-coaching unit of former Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane and former Richards Bay coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi.
AmaZulu lost the first two matches under the coaching duo, including a 2-1 loss at home against Stellenbosch to knocked them out of the Carling Cup Round of 16.
The Durban based team went on to win four of their next eight league matches before being humbled by a 5-0 humiliation at home against Stellenbosch.
In between those results, the club had added experienced midfielder Bongani Zungu to the squad as a free agent as well as defender Sandile Mthethwa from Orlando Pirates.
A Mthethwa hat-trick inspired Usuthu’s 5-1 victory over Mighty Eagles in their Nedbank Cup Round of 32 clash, which seemed to boost the team’s confidence, sparking a three-match unbeaten run (two wins and a draw) that helped lift them out of the relegation zone.
Surprisingly, ten days after a Nedbank Cup Round of 16 elimination against Marumo Gallants, co-coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi stepped down from his role, citing personal issues. He parted ways with the club amicably.
Despite a 4-2 loss to an in-form Sekhukhune United in his first match as head coach, Arthur Zwane managed to steer the team away from the play-off zone, collecting 15 points from a possible 33 points in their last 11 matches. They finished in a respectable sixth position on the Betway Premiership table.
AmaZulu President Sandile Zungu has already confirmed that Arthur “10111” Zwane would remain as the sole head coach of the club for the 2025/26 season. Finally, Primo Sports replaced Umbro as the new technical sponsor of the team.
Here are a few key stats from Usuthu’s season:
Key player – Tshepang Moremi (11 goal contributions – 4 goals, 7 assists)
Top goalscorer – Etiosa Ighodaro (6 goals)
Most minutes – Taariq Fielies (2550 minutes played)
Clean sheets – 11 ( Richard Ofori – 9, Veli Mothwa – 2)