AmaZulu Football Club celebrated the outstanding achievements of its players, technical team and staff from a memorable 2025/26 campaign during a glamorous Awards Evening held at the Premier Hotel Umhlanga on Friday, 24 July 2026.
The occasion also marked the official unveiling of the club’s striking new PRIMO Sportswear playing kit for the 2026/27 season.
Following an impressive Betway Premiership campaign that saw Usuthu secure a fourth-place finish and qualification for the MTN8, the evening reflected on a season defined by resilience, consistency and collective excellence.
Club President Sandile Zungu praised the team’s achievement, describing the Top Four finish as the reward for unwavering commitment rather than good 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. There were moments of adversity, injuries to key personnel and difficult fixtures that tested our resolve, yet this group continued to rise to every challenge.
“Across six KwaZulu-Natal derbies, we collected four victories, one draw and just one defeat—13 points from a possible 18. We proudly retained our status as Izingqwele Zase-KZN, a title that carries immense significance for this football club and its supporters.
“Statistics often tell an interesting story. Had we maintained that level of consistency throughout the entire campaign, we would have finished on approximately 65 league points. That is no longer merely an observation—it is now our benchmark.
Continues “As we look ahead to the 2026/27 season, our ambitions remain clear. We want AmaZulu Football Club to make Top Four finishes the standard rather than the exception and challenge for every competition on offer.”
Zungu also applauded Head Coach Arthur Zwane and his technical team for guiding the youngest squad in the Betway Premiership to a fourth-place finish behind the league’s three Gauteng-based clubs. He paid tribute to devoted AmaZulu supporter Luyanda “Usuthu Queen” Mbuyazi, as well as the late Bafana Bafana star Jayden Adams, whose memories were honoured during the evening.
One of the night’s biggest highlights saw rising star Athini Maqokolo crowned the club’s standout performer, driving away in the latest Mitsubishi Outlander courtesy of vehicle partner Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.
Club Chief Executive Officer Sinjenjabulo Zungu-Ntuli thanked everyone who contributed to the club’s successful season and reaffirmed the importance of unity in achieving sustained success.
“Success in football is never achieved by individuals alone. It is built by people working together with a shared purpose.
To our sponsors and partners, thank you for believing in AmaZulu Football Club. Your support enables us to grow, to compete and to continue building a club that our supporters can be proud of. We value your partnership deeply and look forward to achieving even greater success together.
“To the heartbeat of this football club—our supporters—thank you for standing with us through every challenge. Your unwavering loyalty continues to inspire us.”
Adding to the excitement of the evening, PRIMO Sportswear Chief Executive Officer Gian Chiddoni unveiled the club’s new playing kits, explaining the cultural inspiration and craftsmanship behind each design.
“Being entrusted with the opportunity to create the jersey for AmaZulu Football Club is something that makes us incredibly proud. Every detail has been carefully considered, particularly player comfort and performance.
“The home jersey draws inspiration from traditional Zulu beadwork (ubuhlalu), celebrating the richness of our heritage. The white away kit represents the enduring spirit of the land, while the third kit symbolises the warrior’s peace.
Every stitch tells a story and every detail carries a legacy.” Continues The Awards Evening celebrated the individuals whose performances and commitment helped deliver one of the club’s finest seasons in recent years while simultaneously launching a bold new identity for the 2026/27 campaign through the unveiling of the PRIMO Sportswear kit.
With renewed ambition, a talented young squad and a clear vision for the future, AmaZulu Football Club now turns its attention to building on the momentum of a historic Top Four finish as it continues its pursuit of silverware and sustained success.
List of all awards recipients: Most Improved Player: Athini Maqokolo Best Newcomer: Athini Maqokolo Young Player of the Season: Siphamandla Zikhali Most Consistent Player:
Riaan Hanamub Most Disciplined Player: Riaan Hanamub Leadership Award: Hendrick Ekstein Unsung Hero Award, “Usuthu Award”: Richard Ofori Biggest Moment / Match Winner: Hendrick Ekstein Best Forward: Athini Maqokolo Best Midfielder: Siyanda Hlangabeza Best Defender: Taariq Fielies Best Goalkeeper: Darren Johnson Goal Saver Award: Olwethu Mzimela Coach’s Award: Riaan Hanamub President’s Award: Riaan Hanamub Golden Boot: Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya Players’ Player: Hendrick Ekstein Player of the Season: Athini Maqokolo Supporter Recognition Award: Bhekifa Khanyile Supporter Excellence Award: Ndumiso “Dlamini” Zondi Award for Dedicated Service (Admin): Lihle Dlamini & Brilliant Mkhathini
