Smiso Msomi
The Mamelodi Sundowns duo of striker Godspower Ighodaro and midfielder Luvuyo Phewa are relishing the opportunity to rediscover themselves at AmaZulu.
The two players, one loan for the next 12 months, formed part of seven new signings announced by Usuthu yesterday under glitter and sparks.
The 23-year-old Ighodaro spent last season on loan at SuperSport United where he scored eight times in 34 appearances for the club but now has been sent to Usuthu to hone his skills further.
Phewa, on the other hand, was one of a few shining stars in a poor Cape Town Spurs last season but now returns to his home city to try to find himself once more.
The 24-year-old resembled a focused man when speaking to the media.
“It’s good to be back at home but I’ve been in this game for a while and being here (Durban) is not pressure for me, I just have to do my job here at AmaZulu and be focused,” he said.
The Betway Premiership side has also established a new sponsorship connection with Amandla Mobile and Zungu Investments replacing the recently departed Spar.
The two sponsors were also revealed at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The Durban-based outfit had been depleted in terms of sponsorship after their 40-year-old relationship with Spar ended amicably while sleeve sponsor Grindrod also ended their four-year-old association with the club.
Usuthu president Sandile Zungu demonstrated his immense gratitude for the MTN-supported telecommunications company’s decision to align itself with the club.
He went on to promise progress and development at the club.
“Our new sponsor, brought to you by MTN, have seen it fit to sponsor us; we’re very proud. And the Zungu Investments company, of which I’m chairman, have also seen it fit to sponsor us,” said Zungu.
“That demonstrates more than just commitment, absolute commitment to the well-being of AmaZulu Football Club.
“Once we reach that milestone of achievements, we shall never look back. And the resources that we are getting from our proud sponsors will be put to good use.”
Amandla Mobile CEO Carl Motaung and expressed his joy at having established a link with AmaZulu and went on to explain how the two bodies align.
“I’m the CEO of Amandla Mobile, a proudly black-owned mobile visual network that stands as a beacon to empower and innovate within the telecommunications industry,” he said at the annoucement.
“In line with our commitment to driving economic transformation and empowering communities, Amandla happens to run on a leading network that is the best covered in the country: MTN. This sponsor(ship) signifies a milestone in Amandla’s journey towards creating a more inclusive and connected society.”
Usuthu also used the event as a platform to showcase their 2024/2025 apparel for the very first time while unveiling their new signings.
The club also unwrapped former Orlando Pirates defender Kwanda Mngonyama, 28-year-old striker Senzo “Mbhobho” Ndlovu, Guinean-born winger Boniface Haba, while the young duo of Leonardo Rooi and Thato Matli also signed for Usuthu but will immediately head out on loan.