AmaZulu Football Club have made a significant move early in the transfer market with the signing of two prominent players, defender Sandile Mthethwa and experienced midfielder Bongani Zungu.
Both players, who last donned the colours of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively, are set to bring their vast talents to Usuthu in permanent deals, much to the delight of co-coaches Arthur Zwane and Vusimuzi Vilakazi.
At 27, Mthethwa arrives from Empangeni, northern KwaZulu-Natal, with determination etched into his heart.
He expressed immense gratitude to AmaZulu for their faith in him and is keen to contribute significantly to the club’s aspirations.
“I will do everything within my power to make my mark in the history of AmaZulu, lift my family name, and help the club return to the top four,” he stated on the club’s website.
“I’m thankful to AmaZulu for believing in me. I’ve heard there were previous attempts to sign me, and now that I’m here, I want to show my appreciation through hard work on the pitch.
“This club is close to my heart because it’s just two hours away from my home town of Empangeni, so I feel at home already.
“I know the journey ahead won’t be easy, but I promise to give my all for this badge.”
Mthethwa will rival the likes of Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Taariq Fielies and Mbongeni Gumede for a spot in the back four, and brings with him recent energy of success after departing the Buccaneers.
🫱🏾🫲🏿🟢⚪️ Bongani Zungu has joined us permanently. Welcome to our club, Sengwayo!#ThatsPower #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/Bc2hAbo8FW
Zungu’s arrival is equally promising. With a wealth of experience under his belt, he aims to foster growth among the younger players within the squad.
“My personal goal is to help the team climb as high as possible on the log table, assist the younger players and bring my experience to the squad,” Zungu explained.
Having played in France, Scotland and Portugal, the four-time South African league champion is motivated by the prospect of winning trophies and noted: “Everywhere I’ve played, I’ve managed to win trophies, and I want to bring that same winning mentality here. I know what it takes to win, and that’s my aim.”
Zungu is also enthusiastic about working alongside Zwane and Vilakazi, stating: “I’ve watched AmaZulu’s games, and the team plays the modern game.
“My understanding of the game will help the team, but I know I have to work hard to earn my place.”
Heeeeebeee Usuthu!! 🐍🐍 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/aiEkNGsG3P
— Sandile Mthethwa (@mthethwa_18) December 17, 2024
With the addition of Mthethwa and Zungu, AmaZulu are gearing up for an exciting second half of the season.
The 32-year-old Zungu’s eagerness to contribute to the team may consolidate their potential as serious contenders for a spot in the top eight this season, ramping up positivity among fans who are hopeful for a turnaround in the club’s fortunes.
The former Bafana midfielder is expected to join forces with an already talented midfield group with the likes of Ben Motshwari, Hendrick ‘Pule’ Ekstein, Ethan Brooks and Rowan Human having found new life under the rejuvenated technical team.
AmaZulu are currently on an upward trajectory, having won three of their last four games in all competitions, and having moved off the foot of the Premiership table.
Their next encounter is next Tuesday, Christmas Eve, against Sundowns at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (3pm kick-off).