AmaZulu FC are dealing with a heavy league defeat, a important upcoming derby, and significant off-field political developments involving club owner Sandile Zungu. The club's week has been defined by a 5-2 loss to champions Mamelodi Sundowns and preparations for a KwaZulu-Natal derby against Richards Bay.
How did AmaZulu fare against Mamelodi Sundowns?
AmaZulu FC were beaten 5-2 by Mamelodi Sundowns in a Betway Premiership match at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night. The result handed Usuthu their first league defeat of the campaign, though they remain in fourth place with seven points from four matches. Their recent form reads LWDW, and they have scored and conceded six goals for a zero goal difference this season.
Sundowns dominated the first half, with Brayan Leon opening the scoring in the 25th minute. Teboho Mokoena doubled the lead with a free-kick before halftime. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya pulled one back for AmaZulu just after the restart, but Tashreeq Matthews and a second from Leon extended Sundowns' lead. Ngwenya scored again to make it 4-2, but substitute Bennet Mokoena sealed the 5-2 win in stoppage time. AmaZulu now sit six points behind league leaders Orlando Pirates in the standings.
What's next for Arthur Zwane's team?
Coach Arthur Zwane must now quickly regroup his squad for a KwaZulu-Natal derby. AmaZulu will face Richards Bay on 4 September. This local clash represents an immediate opportunity to bounce back from the heavy defeat in Pretoria.
The team's focus will shift to shoring up a defence that conceded five times against the champions. You can view the full schedule for this and other upcoming matches on our fixtures page. A positive result is vital to maintain their position in the top four of the Premier Soccer League.
What is the latest on Sandile Zungu's SAFA ambition?
Club owner Sandile Zungu's bid to become president of the South African Football Association (SAFA) has received a major endorsement. AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has commanded all 11 football regions in KwaZulu-Natal to support Zungu's challenge against incumbent Danny Jordaan.
Inkosi Malusi Zondi, the AmaZulu kingdom royal chancellor, conveyed the King's directive. "His Majesty King Misuzulu has sent us to ensure that Mr Sandile Zungu gets the maximum support in his home province," Zondi said. The King has appealed for a united voting bloc from KZN at the SAFA elective congress on 12 September. This political development occurs as AmaZulu FC continues its league campaign, with the first-team squad details available on our squad page.
Zungu's faction, Save Our SAFA (SOS), hopes to oust Jordaan, who has been president since 2013. However, provincial SAFA chairperson Kwenza Khwela, a Jordaan backer, claims seven of KZN's eleven regions support the current president's re-election. The battle for the SAFA presidency adds a significant off-field narrative to AmaZulu FC's season. The club's next match is the KZN derby against Richards Bay on 4 September.
