
The KwaZulu-Natal pre-season tournament, the KZN Premier’s Cup, kicked off its 2024 edition with a launch event on Tuesday. Tournament organizers also revealed the official match schedule.
Defending champions AmaZulu will face off against Golden Arrows in the opening match on July 27th. This first playoff will take place at the Prince Mangosuthu Stadium in Ulundi.
The second playoff on July 27th features Royal AM, winners in both 2021 and 2022, against newcomers Milford FC.
Richards Bay and Maritzburg United received byes and will go head-to-head in the semifinals on July 28th.
The winners of the other two playoff matches will meet in the other semifinal, also happening on July 28th.

Newly appointed KZN Premier Thami Ntuli pledged his support for the tournament, highlighting its role in provincial sports development.
“This tournament plays a crucial role in developing sports facilities throughout the province, not just in major cities,” Ntuli said during the draw held in Durban. “That’s why we’re bringing the competition to Ulundi this year.”
The Premier emphasized the potential for the event to bring economic benefits to all parts of KwaZulu-Natal through sports tourism. He suggested that future editions of the Premier’s Cup could be held in other rural towns with suitable sporting facilities.
Adding to the excitement, Bafana Bafana legend Siyabonga Nomvethe and former goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs, Brilliant Khuzwayo, were announced as the official tournament ambassadors.
AmaZulu FC head coach Pablo Martin said,
“We want to be competitive because we are the defending champions”.
The Spanish tactician cited difficulties regarding accommodation for his team in Ulundi but maintained that they would make it a KZN derby to remember when they square off with Golden Arrows.