AmaZulu FC, best known as the oldest club in the league, are celebrating 90 years of existence this year and are arguably experiencing their best period since existence. The Zungu brothers, President Sandile and Director Manzini, have worked hard to continue the legacy of this great football club and strike the perfect balance administratively on and off the field.
Linked with the Zulu monarchy, AmaZulu FC, are the fourth most supported club in the country, boasting huge television viewership, massive support from the biggest radio station in the country – Ukhozi FM and one of the largest newspaper printed in IsiZulu, Ilanga Newspaper.
Since the Zungus took the helm, they have managed to attract prominent names to take charge of the bench as well as dominate the playing filed. One of the notable name is that of the great Benedict McCarthy, who steered the sleeping giant to their highest log position finish in the history of the PSL. McCarthy took the team after 7 games into a new season from club legend Ayanda Dlamini, who had earlier decided to step down after feeling the pressure of the job at the early stages. McCarthy led Usuthu to second spot on the log, which automatically guaranteed the club of CAF Champions League football and subsequently going on to eliminate continental giants, TP Mazembe, on their way to their first ever group stages campaign. Usuthu were in the same group as finalist, Raja Casablanca, who were among tournament favourites. The following season McCarthy went public about his unhappiness regarding the recruitment of players at the club, which at times were seen as an attack to the leadership of the Zungus. Results went against McCarthy and the Zungus opted to end the relationship. Second coach gone.
The club went for another Cape Townian in Branden Truter, a less controversial figure than his predecessor. Despite his humility, Truter had his own fair share of troubles at Usuthu including rumours of losing the dressing room and results going against him. Truter, who took charge of the last 7 matches of the previous campaign, taking over from McCarthy, had many luxuries at his disposal; preseason training with the group, influence in the transfer market, the blessing and the support of the Zungus but did not have the blessing of the Usuthu fans in his stay. Fans saw his style of play as anti-football or ultra-defensive using the loosely term “parking the bus” as Truter’s trademark. 9 games into the new season, the Zungus felt they had seen enough and ‘pulled the trigger’.
On the year of the 90th year celebration, AmaZulu have now gone for their 4th coach in the Zungus era, the French-Moroccan, Romain Folz.
Folz is still in his infancy in his coaching career as his youthfulness saw him exit prematurely at Marumo Gallants following a winless streak of 6 matches. Coaches like Manqoba Mngqithi of Sundowns spoke highly of Folz, and felt perhaps the Limpopo side could’ve given him more time at the helm looking at how good and structured his team was. On his arrival at AmaZulu, Folz was given his new nickname ‘Fohloza’ ditching old nickname ‘Matinase’ which was given by rival fans.
Born in 1990, leading a 90-year-old club, could be something to play around by rappers but it is not something to play around in the football scene. Folz is faced with task of leading big name players such as Lehlohonolo Majoro, George Maluleka, Gabadinho Mhango, Veli Mothwa, and many others, whom have been at international competitions and cup finals. His youthfulness may be seen by many as inexperienced but the Zungus see potential and someone who can repeat the 2020/21 campaign fortunes.
It remains to be seen whether ‘Fohloza’ will bring desired results or it will be another case of hiring and firing. Folz needs to hit the ground running before the world cup and if senior players in particular were to be humble and focused, the combination could be one of the best in local football.
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