AmaZulu FC turns 90, beefs up the team
Durban — AmaZulu FC honoured its top players of the season and unveiled a new kit at the stakeholders’ brunch on Tuesday. In addition, 10 new players were introduced by the club’s president, Sandile Zungu.
In an opening address at the Radisson Blu in Umhlanga on Tuesday, Usuthu chief executive Sine Zungu said the team believed in investing and supporting young talent so that Usuthu might conquer the continent.
“We believe in you, just as we believe in Usuthu. We are still optimistic and still the fearless warriors in our approach to building and enhancing this brand. Last season we saw ourselves not only travelling the continent but also representing South Africa.
“We are fully behind you as a team. AmaZulu is turning 90 years this year, and we must make it count. Among other achievements, we have been busy with the opening of our own home store at Moses Mabhida. We continue to seek support from all our stakeholders in building Usuthu and making it strong,” said Sine Zungu.
In his main address, club president Sandile Zungu congratulated the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions Banyana Banyana on their victory.
“It is very empowering to see them win, but most importantly to see them win against the best of the best is very motivating and inspiring.
“We also congratulate the former AmaZulu head coach Benni McCarthy, who has been chosen and appointed by Manchester United to sit on the bench as one of their coaches. We are truly proud of his success.”
Speaking about the success of his team, Zungu said he was proud of the performance of his players and mentioned that he had spent the weekend watching them play in Pietermaritzburg during the KZN Premier’s Cup.
He also spoke out against what he deemed the “ungracious” behaviour of AmaZulu supporters who sang a song mocking the premier of the province, Sihle Zikalala, who lost the ANC conference to Siboniso Duma.
“I want to unconditionally apologise and also state that we don’t condone such behaviour. What happened should not have happened and it was wrong,” he said. Zungu said the team needed to dream big and ensure that they stayed at the top so that those who supported them, including sponsors, did not lose hope.
“The support of the sponsors has been amazing. They continue to believe and invest in this team. To Spar Grindrod, as we grow we know you are standing firm behind us. Durban Tourism has also been amazing. This relationship can only grow from strength to strength.”
Among other partners and sponsors, Zungu said the Zungu investments, Umbro, Ilanga, Mitsubishi Motors, Mazi, the Daily News and Thule Sweden were partners of Usuthu.
“Our objective is to be in a position where we play in top leagues and be award winners … those who are the best in the football industry.”
Taking to the podium, the team’s director, Manzini Zungu, jokingly said that he was glad not to have lost the team’s president to politics. Zungu was contesting the chairperson position but declined nomination at the 9th ANC provincial conference in Durban.
“We celebrate 90 years this season, and I want to thank the people who make us shine, the players. We appreciate what you have brought to this team since we took over two years ago.
“Success means we win together as Usuthu and we’d like to thank our technical team. We are going to rely on this team so that we may take the brand forward,” he said.
Daily News