The AmaZulu FC players, owner, coach, world rankings and more.

The AmaZulu FC players, owner, coach, world rankings and more.

Ciku Njuguna
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:55 PM

The AmaZulu FC is rated high in performance and popularity globally and continentally. The club is one of the first soccer clubs formed in South Africa. So what is known about the legendary club? Dig in and discover more about the club's history, management, players, world rankings, and more.

The AmaZulu FC
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Popularly known as Usuthu, the club claims about 45% popularity in Africa. Its national popularity is only matched with other top South African Premier Soccer League clubs. Join us as we explore more facts about the iconic football club.

AmaZulu FC's profile summary

  • Full name: Amazulu Football Club
  • Nickname: Usuthu, Amaqhawe
  • Founded: 1932
  • Colours: Green and white
  • Federation: Premier Soccer League
  • Coach: Benni Macarthy
  • Captain: Makhehleni Makhaula
  • World ranking: 790 (as of 2022)
  • Africa ranking: 74 (as of 2021)
  • National ranking: 5 (as of 2021)
  • Current market value: $11,776, 000
  • Stadium: Johnson Kings Park Soccer Stadium, King Zwelithini Stadium

AmaZulu FC's history

How old is AmaZulu FC? The club is about 90 years old (as of 2022), making it one of the oldest soccer clubs in South Africa. Who formed the AmaZulu FC? The club was started by migrant Zulu workers in 1932. The club was then passed on to the Zulu royalty for most of its existence. The management change came with a change of name to the Zulu Royals.

The AmaZulu FC players
The Usuthu team lineup for Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday. The team played against Manchester City in a historic invitational match in Durban, 2013. Photo by Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images.
Source: Getty Images

In the 1970s, the Zulu Royals joined the National Professional Soccer League, replacing the African Wanderers. During the same decade, a split in the team led to the creation of a second team, the Zulu Royals United. Over the years, changes in ownership led to further name changes, including renaming the club back to its current name.

Where is the AmaZulu F.C. located?

Usuthu is based in Durban, South Africa. The AmaZulu F.C's owner, Dr Sandile Nzungu of the Zungu Investment Company, recently purchased the club from its previous owner, Dr Patrick Sokhela. The AmaZulu F.C's stadiums include the King Zwethlini Stadium and Johnson Kings Park Stadium.

The Amazulu F.C's net worth

Amazulu's net worth is estimated at $11,189,972, earning it a spot in the list of the most valuable soccer teams in South Africa. Its current market value is estimated to be $11,776,000.

The AmaZulu FC players
Johnson Kings Park Stadium, the Usuthu stadium. Photo:_@the_matchday_man
Source: Instagram

AmaZulu FC's legends

Some of AmaZulu FC's best players of all time include legendary players such as team captain Sugar Ray Xulu, winger Joel 'Fire' Faya, and striker Wagga Wagga Likoebe.

Although these players left active duty decades ago, they have all contributed to the club's growth through coaching, funding, and team management.

AmaZulu FC's squad

Who manages the AmaZulu FC? Benni McCarthy's portfolio makes him a great candidate for the team manager position and coach as they aim to relive their historical glory.

Who is Amazulu FC's captain?

The current team captain is the 20/21 PSL midfielder of the season, Makhehleni Makhaula. Makhaula was appointed to the position by AmaZulu FC's coach Benni McCarthy.

The AmaZulu FC player and coach
Coach Benni alongside the Royal AM coach John Maduka, at the 21/22 DSTV premiership press conference. Photo: @amazulu_fc
Source: Instagram

Here is a list of the Usuthu players in the 21/22 season:

Goalkeepers

  • Veli Mothwa
  • Neil Boshoff
  • Olwethu Mzimela
  • Jean-Noel Amonome

Forwards

  • Bongi Ntuli
  • Siphelele Mthembu
  • Lehlohonolo Majoro
  • Lindokuhle Zungu
  • Sphamandla Nene
  • Kgotso Moleko
  • Thembela Sikhakhane
  • Mbongeni Gumede
  • Tsepo Masilela
  • Tercious Malepe
  • Philani Zulu
  • Samkelo Mgwazela
  • Sandile Khumalo
  • Tapelo Xoxi
  • Abbubaker Mobara

Wingers

  • Amigo Memela
  • Thabo Qalinge
  • Mxolisi Kunene
  • Tshepang Moremi
  • Augustine Mulenga
  • Sphesihle Maduna
  • Abraham Majok
  • Sicelo Mkhize

Midfielder

  • Butholezwe Ncube
  • Mkhehlene Makhaula
  • Tyrese De Bruin
  • Xolani Mlambo
  • Keegan Buchanan
  • Matarr Ceesay
  • Siyethembe Sithebe (Mnguni)
  • Hendrick Ekstein
  • Sbusiso Magaqa

The top players of the Usuthu include DSTv Premiership top scorer for the 20/21 season, Amigo Memela.

Amigo Memela profile summary

  • Full name: Amigo Luvuyo Memela
  • Date of birth: 18 September 1987
  • Age: 35 as of 2022
  • Place of birth: South African
  • Nationality: South African
  • Height in feet: 5'5.5''
  • Height in centimetres: 167
  • Position(s): Left-winger, Right-winger, Striker
  • Former teams: Orlando Pirates, All-Stars, Chippa United, Hanover Park F.C, Ajax Cape Town Youth
  • Current market value: $459 000
The AmaZulu FC players
COSAFA cup Player of the Tournament Veli Mothwa, and Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Mngunisiye Themba. Skipper Makhaula, Xoxi, and Sandile Khumalo also received the MOTM awards. Photo: @amazulu_fc.
Source: Instagram

AmaZulu FC's new signings

The Usuthu was desperately looking to sign new talent, especially this season. Here is a list of the new players and their previous clubs:

  • Keegan Buchanan (Without club)
  • Mxolisi Kunene (Maritzburg United)
  • Matarr Ceesay (Casa Sports)
  • Philani Zulu (Kaizer Chiefs)
  • Tshepang Moremi (Bizana Pondo)
  • Tercious Malepe (FK Minaj)
  • Abraham Majok (PAEEK)
  • Abbubaker Mobara (Cape Town City)
  • Lindani Shange (Reserve team)
  • Kgotso Moleko (Kaizer Chiefs)
  • Hendrick Ekstein ( FK Sabail)

AmaZulu FC's achievements

The AmaZulu FC players
The Usuthu team celebrates a goal by Amigo Memela in a match against a DSTV match against Chippa United FC. Photo: @amazulu_fc
Source: Instagram

The historical club has had highs and lows in terms of success over the years. So, has AmaZulu FC ever won the League Cup? During the 1971/1972 season, the Zulu Royals took the National Professional League title. It has, however, not won the title since then.

AmaZulu FC's trophies and titles

  • 2020/2021 - Premier Soccer League runner-up
  • 1971/1972 - National Professional League title

AmaZulu FC's world ranking

According to the 2022 rankings, the team is ranked at position 790 in the world and 74 in the continent. In the PSL league table, the club is ranked at position 5.

Is the AmaZulu FC on Instagram?

The Usuthu team actively connects with its thousands of fans on social media. The club's Instagram and Twitter accounts have about 300,000 thousand followers cumulatively as of February 2022.

The AmaZulu FC players
The Usuthu players pose for a photo before a match. Photo: @amazulu_fc
Source: Instagram

The AmaZulu FC players are fortunate to play in such a historical and iconic club in the diverse South African sports fraternity. The club looks forward to reliving their former glory and returning home the 21/22 CAF Championship Cup.

READ ALSO: Sadio Mane Named AFCON Best Player as Mendy and Aboubakar Win Top Individual Honours.

Sportsbrief has published an article on the notable football stars in the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations championships.

The AFCON winners, Senegal, won their very first title. The club's stars, penalty hero Sadio Mane and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy were awarded for their spectacular performances. Find out more here about the celebrated footballers.

Authors
Ciku Njuguna photo
Ciku Njuguna
Ciku Njuguna is a journalist with 3 year’s experience in content creation based in Kenya. She currently covers sports personnel as well as team biographies.