DStv Prem Team Profile: AmaZulu

AmaZulu FC spent the better part of the 2019-20 season in the relegation zone under coach Jozef Vukusic in the Absa Premiership.

The team nicknamed Usuthu was struggling to get positive results and the club suspended five players, Thembela Sikhakhane, Jabulani Ncobeni, Nhlanhla Vilakazi, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Michael Morton.

The quintet was reportedly suspended due to their negative attitude and Vukusic was soon placed under special leave and Ayanda Dlamini was appointed caretaker coach.

The move proved to be a masterstroke as Usuthu excelled under Dlamini, with the club having recalled the suspended players and the team managed to avoid relegation to the GladAfrica Championship.

Dlamini started his tenure with an impressive win over Kaizer Chiefs in March 2020 and the team embarked on a good run in the league, with Majoro and Bonginkosi Ntuli having struck up a good strike partnership.

AmaZulu ended the season with a four-match unbeaten run which saw them finish 13th on the league standings, having secured a crucial win over their rivals Black Leopards.

Transfers In

Makhehleni Makhaula, Sicelo Mkhize, Siphelele Nene, Thembela Sikhakhane, Limbikani Mzava, Samkelo Mgwazela, Siphelele Mthembu, Luvuyo Memela, Augustine Mulenga, Siphiwe Tshabalala

Transfer Out

Milos Lacny, Michael Morton, Nhlanhla Vilakazi, Jabulani Ncobeni, Phumlani Gumede and Thembela Sikhakhane.

Players To Watch

Lehlohonolo Majoro managed to revive his career at AmaZulu following the appointment of Ayanda Dlamini as the caretaker coach and he displayed glimpses of his scoring prowess.

The former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates striker remains one of the best finishers in the country and he will be keen to continue where he left off in the new season.

Bonginkosi Ntuli is coming off his best season in the South African top-flight as he netted 13 goals in the competition and he did not disappoint as AmaZulu relied on him for goals.

The experienced marksman, who has hit the back of then 26 times in 67 league appearances for AmaZulu, will be looking to continue scoring goals for the KwaZulu-Natal giants.

2020-21 Season

AmaZulu will be hoping to compete for a place in the top eight in the DStv Premiership with the club having appointed Dlamini as the new permanent head coach.

The 36-year-old tactician will be assisted by Allan Freese, who has brought lots of experience to the Usuthu technical team, which is a good move by the club's management.

Usuthu might be able to avoid the turmoil of last season if they manage to keep their star striker Bonginkosi Ntuli, who has been linked with top PSL clubs.

Dlamini and Freese will be able to get the best from their resources and guide the team to an 11th-place finish which would be an improvement from last season's 13th place.