AmaZulu Football Club is delighted to officially announce the arrival of seven exciting new signings as Head Coach Arthur ‘Phakimpi” Zwane continues to shape his squad ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
The new additions reflect the club’s ambition to build on last season’s impressive fourth-place finish and further strengthen the squad across all departments.
Joining Usuthu are promising left-back Omega Mdaka (23) from Stellenbosch FC, alongside his former Stellies teammate and highly rated winger Khomotjo Lekoloane (28).
Dynamic midfielder Mncedi Vandala (29) arrives from Magesi FC, while experienced right-back Keenan Phillips (26) joins after his spell with Lamontville Golden Arrows. The midfield is further bolstered by the signing of Gape Morale (26) from Siwelele FC, while the club has also secured the services of Faveur Kouassi (24), an Ivorian goalkeeper who joins from Malian outfit Djobila AC to add depth and competition between the posts. Completing AmaZulu FC’s recruitment drive is highly rated Kenyan striker Moses Shumah (23), who joins the club following a prolific spell with Zambian Premier League champions Power Dynamos. Shumah arrives in Durban on the back of an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, having found the back of the net 23 times in all competitions.
Commenting on the club’s latest acquisitions, AmaZulu FC President Sandile Zungu expressed his confidence in the new arrivals and the club’s recruitment strategy.
“All seven signings form part of a carefully considered recruitment drive as we prepare for the 2026/27 season. We are confident they possess the quality, character and ambition to contribute positively to our objectives both on and off the field. On behalf of the AmaZulu Football Club family, I warmly welcome each of them and wish them every success in the green and white. We trust they will enjoy a rewarding journey with Usuthu and forge lasting relationships with their teammates, our supporters and everyone associated with this great club,” said Zungu.
As AmaZulu FC welcomes new faces into the family, the club also bids farewell to several players whose contracts have come to an end. Goalkeeper Richard Ofori, defender Sphephelo Majola and midfielders Bongani Zungu and Mason Mushore, together with forwards Thabiso Kutumela and Elmo Kambindu, depart the club after their respective spells in Durban.
Zungu also extended his sincere appreciation to the departing players, thanking each of them for their professionalism, commitment and contribution to the Usuthu badge throughout their time at the club. He wished them and their families every success as they embark on the next chapter of their respective careers.
Looking ahead, the club will host a comprehensive media briefing led by its executive leadership, where a number of strategic and structural developments will be unveiled. The briefing will provide further insight into AmaZulu FC’s long-term vision, organisational growth and plans as the club continues to build on the momentum of an encouraging 2025/26 campaign.
AmaZulu are currently 5 days into an intensive 10-day pre-season training camp in Johannesburg where the technical team looks to integrate the club’s new signings while further embedding the coaching philosophy, tactical approach and playing style ahead of the new campaign. As part of the programme, Usuthu will face several fellow Betway Premiership clubs in a series of high-quality friendly matches designed to build match fitness, strengthen combinations and sharpen the squad’s competitive edge before returning to KwaZulu-Natal. The club will then conclude its pre-season preparations by participating in two additional tournaments before embarking on what promises to be an exciting 2026/27 season.
Confirmation of New Signings:
- Omega Mdaka (23), Defender.
- Khomotjo Lekoloane (28), Midfielder.
- Mncedi Vandala (29), Midfielder.
- Keenan Phillips (26), Defender.
CONTINUES 5. Gape Morale (26), Midfielder. - Faveur Kouassi (24), Goalkeeper.
- Moses Shumah (23), Striker.
- Tshepo Mahauza (18), Goalkeeper. Departures:
- Richard Ofori 2. Sphephelo Majola 3. Bongani Zungu 4. Mason Mushore 5. Thabiso Kutumela 6. Elmo Kambindu
