Tshabalala one of ten new faces at Usuthu

The club’s ambition to occupy the top end of the DSTV Premiership was demonstrated when the KZN giant unveiled ten new players at the Durban Hilton Hotel on Monday.

New signings Makhehleni Makhaula, Siphelele Mthembu, Sicelo Mkhize, Sphamandla Nene, Augustine Mulenga, Thembela Sikhakhane, Samkelo Mgwazela Luvuyo Memela, Limbikani Mzava and Siphiwe Tshabalala will be part of coach Ayanda Dlamini’s squad ahead of the new season as Usuthu looks to mount a significant attack in the new season.

Usuthu President, Sandile Zungu outlined that the new players are part of the club’s directive in re-establishing AmaZulu’s dominance in South African football.

“The arrival of these players to Usuthu demonstrates our intent to compete and elevate this brand to where it is supposed to be. I’ve maintained that AmaZulu is a top four club. However, it is not just about saying it, it is also about taking the necessary steps in ensuring that this vision is realized,” said AmaZulu President Sandile Zungu.

“Every action that we have taken has been deliberate and backed with the sole purpose of achieving our goals as a club. What you have been witnessing in the past couple of weeks is a rebirth of AmaZulu. Even these players – we have sought the right kind of players who will fit into the mold of what we want to achieve as a brand.”

“I have personally spent time with each of these players articulating the vision we have as AmaZulu and they have not shied away from it. They have chosen to embrace it and be part of it. Their experience and ambition will translate in how they fight for their positions to play and how they compete during matches,” continued the President.

AmaZulu’s new arrivals will look to immediately make an impact in coach Ayanda Dlamini’s team.

“We have wasted no time in ensuring that our new players fit into the squad. We have big ambitions this season and it’s important that we have enough depth across all the positions and have a squad that can compete,” said Coach Dlamini, on the new players. All the nine players expressed their eagerness to fight for their positions in the Usuthu squad and assist the club in attaining its vision of a top four finish come the end of the season.

“I’m excited to be at AmaZulu at this point of the club’s history. A lot of exciting things are happening and I’m part of it. It’s a history-making moment for us as new players and I want to play my part,” declared Makhaula.

“AmaZulu has always been a big club and now there is a sense of optimism that those days could be returning to the club. I want to use my experience to help the team achieve this great vision of becoming a powerhouse club,” said the well-travelled Mthembu.

“For me, it is about being part of a strong squad of players, this will help me elevate my game. I want to be a consistent player. That’s what I want to fight for this season,” noted attacker Mkhize.

“It’s about winning games and delivering consistent performances,” stated Mulenga who could be facing his former club Orlando Pirates in AmaZulu’s league opener.

“We have to score goals and win matches if we are to achieve this goal. My job is to score goals and help the team win,” added the striker.

“It’s a great opportunity for me as a young player to be part of this club and to play with the players we have. I feel that we have the right balance of youth and experience which is good for us,” said young defender Sphamandla Nene.

Thembela Sikhakane expressed his excitement for the season ahead noting that he welcomed the vision declared by the president. “The President believes in us. He has done everything to make sure that AmaZulu becomes the big club that it is supposed to be. We have to return that confidence by being warriors on the field,” said the 27-year-old defender.

“We are excited to be part of this AmaZulu team. As a player, to hear the vision of the President is inspiring and I’m looking to be part of it,” eluded Limbikani Mzava and Samkelo Mgwazela.

Experienced attackers Siphiwe Tshabalala and Luvuyo Memela stated that they were bringing their experience to help the team carry the mandate set by the President.

“It’s so thrilling to be part of this revolution. We believe our experience will help in achieving the new goals of the club,” said Memela.

“We intend to be warriors and fight for the brand. Every game will be a battle!” declared Shabba.

Last week Usuthu #WarriorsReborn officially unveiled the new jersey for the season, inspired by Umkhonto and signaling an era of an attacking philosophy at the KZN club.

AmaZulu kick-off the new season with a mammoth home clash against Orlando Pirates at the Jonsson Kings Park Stadium this coming Saturday. The fixture starts at 20h00.