Former Bafana stars spearhead AmaZulu’s Project 2032

SMISO MSOMI

AMAZULU FC are set to reignite the pride of KwaZulu-Natal with the launch of a new youth development campaign named ‘Project 2032’.

The Durban club, under the ownership of businessman Sandile Zungu, have reconfigured their ambitions in recent seasons.

Zungu has been vocal about his intentions to turn one of the oldest clubs in the country into a force to be reckoned with. It has been his firm belief that Usuthu should not be playing to escape relegation, as has been the case in the past, but be a champion team competing for titles every season.

The announcement of a programme aimed at re-energising the dreams of the local youth is an idea already in motion in some of the most successful football nations in the world.

Usuthu director Mfundo Zungu, who will head this initiative, inspired confidence as he laid out the wishes of the club president.

The young Zungu, who is also passionate about youth development and the broader level of the country’s state of football, raised the importance of placing ‘home-grown’ talent in conducive environments to thrive.

“One of president Sandile Zungu’s wishes, among the results, achievements and winning trophies by 2032 which is the club’s centenary year, is that the majority of the squad must be home-grown talent,” said Zungu.

The club have seemingly collected development data related to nutrition and technological advancements, and have recruited retired professionals who are involved in coaching.

Former players Mbulelo ‘OJ’ Mabizela, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Andile ‘Sguda’ Cele have been roped in at under-13, 17 and 19 levels.

Zungu placed a huge emphasis on the club acquiring the perfect candidates to form part of this project that is set to reap rewards by the time the club turns 100 years.

“We were very intentional with the recruitment process of the people we have brought in. We wanted good and qualified people who believe in the vision and want to be here for the long term,” he explained.

“We want to use a science-backed approach and we intend to mirror what we’ve studied, be it from the first team and international academies, to yield favourable outcomes for AmaZulu,” said Zungu.

Usuthu’s historical success was strongly linked to the recruitment of local players and that in turn attracted big numbers of fans into the stadiums. According to Zungu, the development coaches will be tasked with finding and nurturing that local talent to form the core of the club 10 years from now.

Full list of the new coaching staff:

Aubrey Vilakazi: Goalkeeper Coach

Andile Cele: U19 Head Coach

Reneilwe Letsholonyane: U17 Head Coach

Amanda Sithole: U17 Assistant Coach, Fitness & Conditioning Trainer

Brice Petersen: U15 Head Coach

Taoni Banda: U15 Assistant Coach

Nqoba Mdladla: U13 Head Coach

Mbulelo Mabizela: U13 Assistant Coach