AmaZulu FC celebrates historic 2025/26 season, unveils new 2026/27 kit and sets ambitious title target
AmaZulu FC marked one of the most successful seasons in the club’s recent history with a memorable Awards Evening in Umhlanga on Friday, celebrating the players, coaches and supporters who helped drive Usuthu back into South African football’s elite while unveiling an eye-catching new kit for the 2026/27 campaign.
The glamorous event at Premier Hotel Umhlanga was more than an end of season celebration. It was a statement of intent.
After securing an impressive fourth place finish in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership and booking a place in next season’s MTN8, AmaZulu used the evening to reflect on a campaign built on resilience, determination and collective belief. At the same time, club leadership made it clear that the journey is far from over.
Club president Sandile Zungu delivered one of the night’s most powerful moments as he praised the squad for overcoming adversity and insisted their success was earned through hard work rather than fortune.
“Our fourth position in the Betway Premiership was no accident. It was the reward for discipline, sacrifice, resilience and an unwavering commitment to our shared vision,” Zungu told guests.
“There were moments of adversity, injuries to key personnel and tough fixtures that tested our resolve, yet this group continued to rise to every challenge.”
The achievement represents a significant milestone for AmaZulu, who consistently challenged South Africa’s strongest clubs throughout the season while producing some of their most disciplined football in recent years.
One of the club’s standout accomplishments came in the fiercely contested KwaZulu-Natal derbies. Usuthu collected 13 points from a possible 18 across six derby fixtures, once again reinforcing their reputation as Izingqwele ZaseKZN, the champions of KwaZulu-Natal.
Rather than dwelling on the success, Zungu challenged the club to raise expectations even further.
“Statistics often tell an interesting story,” he said.
“Had we maintained that level of consistency throughout the entire campaign, we would have finished on approximately 65 league points. That is now our target.”
The ambitious message signalled that AmaZulu are no longer satisfied with competing for the top four. The club is now setting its sights on becoming genuine contenders for domestic honours.
Adding to the excitement, AmaZulu officially unveiled their new PRIMO Sportswear home kit for the 2026/27 season, giving supporters a first glimpse of the strip the team will wear as it begins another campaign filled with renewed optimism and expectation.
The evening also recognised the individuals whose performances helped shape the club’s remarkable season.
AmaZulu FC 2025/26 Awards
- Player of the Season: Athini Maqokolo
- Most Improved Player: Athini Maqokolo
- Best Newcomer: Athini Maqokolo
- Golden Boot: Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya
- Players’ Player: Hendrick Ekstein
- Leadership Award: Hendrick Ekstein
- Biggest Moment / Match Winner: Hendrick Ekstein
- Best Midfielder: Siyanda Hlangabeza
- Best Defender: Taariq Fielies
- Best Goalkeeper: Darren Johnson
- Goal Saver Award: Olwethu Mzimela
- Most Consistent Player: Riaan Hanamub
- Most Disciplined Player: Riaan Hanamub
- Coach’s Award: Riaan Hanamub
- President’s Award: Riaan Hanamub
- Young Player of the Season: Siphamandla Zikhali
- Unsung Hero Award (Usuthu Award): Richard Ofori
- Supporter Recognition Award: Bhekifa Khanyile
- Supporter Excellence Award: Ndumiso “Dlamini” Zondi
- Award for Dedicated Service (Administration): Lihle Dlamini and Brilliant Mkhathini
With renewed belief inside the club, a refreshed identity through its new kit and ambitious targets for the season ahead, AmaZulu enter the 2026/27 campaign carrying genuine momentum.
The celebrations in Umhlanga honoured what has already been achieved, but the message from Usuthu’s leadership was unmistakable. Fourth place is no longer the destination. It is the foundation for what the club hopes will become an even bigger chapter in its history.
