AmaZulu FC stands among the oldest and most culturally significant football institutions in South Africa. Based in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, the club competes in the Premiership and carries deep historical ties to the Zulu nation, reflected in their famous nickname, Usuthu. More than just a football team, AmaZulu’s identity is intertwined with royal symbolism, regional pride and decades of resilience through changing eras of South African football.
Origins in the Zulu Community
AmaZulu’s roots stretch back to 1932 when the club was founded by Zulu migrant workers and initially known as Zulu Royal Conquerors. The team quickly became linked to the Zulu monarchy after being introduced to King Solomon, who renamed the side Zulu Royals and adopted royal blue and white as the club colours. He also incorporated a shield into the club’s emblem, reinforcing its royal identity.
In its early decades the team operated under traditional leadership structures. Prince Bayisikili served as the club’s guardian before Prince Sithela later took over the role. During this period the team’s headquarters moved to the eMbelebeleni Royal Kraal and the colours eventually shifted to bottle green and white, which would later become closely associated with AmaZulu’s identity.
One of the defining moments of this early period came in 1968 when the team played a cup match on the same day as the funeral of King Bhekizulu. The decision sparked controversy among supporters and royal figures, as the team had been expected to participate in mourning rituals. The disagreement created internal divisions, and soon afterward the club temporarily relocated its base to eWema, losing recognition at the royal kraal.
Rebuilding and Entry into Professional Football
By the early 1970s the club required reconstruction. Committee members, including Ralph Mabaso and Mkhize, helped rebuild the squad, recruit players and re-establish structure. The club registered under the name Zulu Royals United, with Bethuel Masondo appointed as manager and director. Eventually the team returned to the eMbelebeleni Royal Kraal, reconnecting with its traditional base.
A major turning point came in 1971 when African Wanderers were suspended from the National Professional Soccer League. The KwaZulu-Natal Football Association recommended several teams as replacements, and league chairman RD Sishi selected Zulu Royals United, largely due to their strong support base and symbolic representation of the Zulu nation.
The decision proved successful. In their first season in the NPSL, the team finished sixth and was voted Club of the Year. Just one year later, in 1972, they captured the league title, collecting 44 points from 26 matches and losing only twice. It marked the first major achievement in the club’s competitive history.
However, success was followed by instability. In 1973 manager Bethuel Masondo departed with several key players, causing internal disruption and a loss of momentum. By 1974 supporters assumed control of the club’s operations, and during this transition the team adopted the name AmaZulu Football Club, meaning “Zulu people.” The new name formalised the cultural identity that supporters already associated with the club.
The NSL Era and Domestic Cup Campaigns
The formation of the National Soccer League in 1985 marked another new chapter. Under chairman David Dlamini, AmaZulu adapted to the evolving professional structure of South African football. During this era the club remained competitive, frequently challenging in cup competitions.
In 1987, under coach Clive Barker, AmaZulu reached the finals of both the Mainstay Cup and the Iwisa Charity Cup, narrowly losing both to Kaizer Chiefs. The club continued to show consistency in knockout tournaments and reached the Bob Save Super Bowl final in 1990, where they were defeated by Jomo Cosmos via a late goal.
The early 1990s brought a highlight when AmaZulu won the inaugural Coca-Cola Cup in 1992. The following season they finished third in the league standings, reinforcing their status as one of the country’s respected professional sides.
Leadership of the club changed hands several times during this period, with various administrators overseeing operations as South African football transitioned through structural and commercial shifts in the post-apartheid era.
Return to the Top Flight Under Sokhela
A major revival began in 2005 when businessman Dr Patrick Sokhela purchased the club from Sisa Bikisha. He immediately restored the traditional AmaZulu name and bought Dynamos’ Premiership status, returning the club to the top division.
During Sokhela’s tenure, AmaZulu experienced mixed fortunes. A notable moment came in 2012 when the club celebrated its 80th anniversary by hosting Manchester United in Durban, losing narrowly 1–0 in a prestigious international friendly.
Despite occasional progress, relegation followed in the 2014–15 season. After failing to gain promotion on the field in 2016–17, the club returned to the Premiership by purchasing Thanda Royal Zulu’s top-flight status. This move ensured AmaZulu’s continued presence in elite football, though it also reflected the financial realities of the modern game.
Subsequent seasons included both promise and controversy. In 2017–18 the team initially secured a Top 8 finish, only for league disciplinary decisions involving Ajax Cape Town to alter the final standings and push AmaZulu down to ninth. In 2018 the club also suffered a six-point deduction after failing to comply with a FIFA ruling concerning the illegal termination of former player Phinheas Nambandi’s contract.
The 2019–20 season proved especially turbulent, with multiple coaching changes and internal financial pressures linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interim coach Ayanda Dlamini ultimately guided the club to safety, finishing 13th and preserving their Premiership status.
The Zungu Era and a New Vision
A transformative moment arrived in October 2020 when businessman Sandile Zungu purchased AmaZulu. His ownership introduced a long-term strategic vision aimed at elevating the club’s competitiveness and stature within South African football.
One of his first major decisions was appointing Benni McCarthy as head coach, supported by assistants Siyabonga Nomvethe and Vasili Manousakis. The move signalled an ambition to modernise both the footballing structure and professional culture of the club.
The impact was immediate. In Zungu’s first full season, AmaZulu finished second in the league behind Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the highest finishes in club history. The result secured qualification for the CAF Champions League, marking a historic continental campaign.
AmaZulu defeated Nyasa Big Bullets in the preliminary round and then overcame African powerhouse TP Mazembe on away goals to reach the group stage. This achievement placed them among a select group of South African clubs to advance beyond the early phases of Africa’s premier club competition.
The club continued to invest in infrastructure and professionalisation, training at Moses Mabhida Stadium while utilising high-performance facilities at the Prime Human Performance Institute. In 2025 AmaZulu unveiled a new club logo, symbolising both continuity and modern ambition.
A Club Rooted in Identity and Looking Forward
AmaZulu’s story is one of survival, reinvention and deep cultural grounding. From its origins among migrant workers and royal patronage to modern professional ownership and continental ambitions, the club reflects both the history and future of South African football.
Today, Usuthu remain a powerful symbol of KwaZulu-Natal pride, carrying decades of heritage while striving to compete with the country’s biggest clubs. Their journey shows how tradition, resilience and vision can coexist — and how one of South Africa’s oldest teams continues to write new chapters in its long history.