AmaZulu FC has officially welcomed its first wave of new signings as the club commenced its 2025/26 pre-season preparations this week.
Under the guidance of head coach Arthur Zwane, Usuthu is undertaking a significant squad refresh aimed at building on a respectable sixth-place finish in the previous campaign.
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The ambitious squad overhaul comes after Usuthu released a substantial 19 players at the end of last season, demonstrating a clear commitment to strengthening the team and consistently competing for a top-eight spot, a feat they achieved last season for the first time in two years.
AmaZulu has been swift in securing talent, with several key additions already confirmed:
Ryan Moon (striker): Joins as a free agent after his departure from Golden Arrows, bringing valuable attacking experience.
Darren Johnson (goalkeeper): Arrives on a free transfer from Chippa United, adding depth to the goalkeeping department. This follows after Bafana Bafana international Veli Mothwa was released.
Keegan Allan (defender): Also a free agent, moving from Richards Bay to bolster Usuthu’s defensive options.
Thapelo Matlhoko: Lured from Kruger United will reinfornce the midfield.
Thando Ngwenya: The Zimbabwean striker from FC Platinum is reportedly on the cusp of finalizing a two-year deal with AmaZulu. The 22-year-old impressed during the 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and is expected to significantly boost AmaZulu’s attacking force.
The transfer activity is far from over, with several more names linked to the Durban-based club:
Simon van Duivenboden (former Vitesse striker), Sibusiso Shibane (KZN Academy graduate returning from Europe), and Liam de Kock (recently departed Stellenbosch FC): According to iDiski Times, these players are among the potential new arrivals, pending agreement on terms with AmaZulu.
Liam Bern (midfielder): Sportswire has confirmed that AmaZulu has successfully completed the signing of Cape Town Spurs midfielder Liam Bern. Despite initial reports suggesting Cape Town Spurs might contest player exits following their relegation to the ABC Motsepe League (where player contracts are considered amateur status outside the Premier Soccer League), AmaZulu secured his services. Bern reportedly arrived in Durban on Tuesday evening to undergo his medical assessment and finalize his contract.
In addition to their player acquisitions, AmaZulu has also strengthened its technical team with the recent appointment of Simo Dladla as the club’s assistant coach.
Finally, it is worth noting that among the notable departures, Tshepang Moremi was sold to Orlando Pirates, while 13 other players were released as their contracts expired. This group included surprising exits such as Ethan Brooks and Rowan Human. Additionally, loan deals for Sifiso Ngobeni and Etiosa Ighodaro from Mamelodi Sundowns concluded.