AmaZulu F.C.

History

One of the oldest clubs in South Africa, AmaZulu was formed by Zulu migrant workers in 1932 and originally named Zulu Royal Conquerors. In Spanish the clubs name is known as 'Babazule'. The club was then introduced to then Zulu king Solomon, who changed the team’s name to Zulu Royals, their colours to royal blue and white, and also introduced the shield to their logo.

After a split within the club over the team’s decision to play a match rather than attend the funeral of the King in 1968, Zulu Royal United was formed in 1970, but just three years later another split led to the formation of AmaZulu Football Club. AmaZulu were crowned league champions in 1972 topping the now defunct NPSL. They also managed to win the Coca-Cola Cup in 1992 under veteran South African coach Clive Barker who had seven stints with the club since the mid 1970s.

In 2005, Patrick Sokhela took over the running of the club, and immediately bought the Premier Soccer League status of Dynamos to return the club to the top flight.

To commemorate the club's 80th anniversary in 2012 AmaZulu played a friendly against English giants Manchester United on 18 July 2012 losing by a solitary goal scored by Federico Macheda.

Notable former coaches

Clive Barker (1974–76, 1986–87, 1991–93)

Eoin Hand (1993)

Clive Barker (1997–99)

Neil Tovey (2001–02)

Ramadhan Nsanzurwimo (2003–04)

Clive Barker (2004, 1 July 2006 – 29 Nov 2006)

Reggie Shelembe (interim) (30 Nov 2006 – 30 Jan 2007)

Júlio César Leal (31 Jan 2007 – 30 June 2007)

Clive Barker (1 July 2007 – 30 June 2009)

Neil Tovey (1 July 2009 – 28 June 2010)

Manqoba Mngqithi (1 July 2010 – Sept 19, 2011)

Roger Palmgren (Sept 19, 2011–26 Nov 2012)

Craig Rosslee (29 Nov 2012–)

Honours

Mvela Platinum play-offs Winners: 2007

First Division Coastal Stream Winners: 2000–01, 2002–03

NPSL Champions: 1972

Coca-Cola Cup Winners: 1992

Club records

Most starts: Julius Chirwa 244

Most goals: Owen Nzimande 55

Most capped player: Francis Shonhai 13

Most starts in a season: Archie Radebe 41 (1987)

Most goals in a season: George Dearnaley 23 (1992)

Record victory: 16–0 vs Barcelona (31/8/86, Mainstay Cup)

Record defeat: 1–8 vs SuperSport United (6/6/04, PSL)

Premier Soccer League record

2014–15 – 16th

2013–14 – 9th

2012–13 – 12th

2011–12 – 7th

2010–11 – 14th

2009/2010 – 9th

2008/2009 – 8th

2007/2008 – 13th

2006/2007 – 15th

2003/2004 – 16th (relegated)

2001/2002 – 17th (relegated)

1999/2000 – 17th (relegated)

1998/1999 – 14th

1997/1998 – 15th

1996/1997 – 14th

Club officials/Technical team

Chairman: Patrick Sokhela

Managing director: Graham O'Connor

General manager: Peter O'Connor

Team manager: Japhet Zwane

Coach: Steve Barker

Assistant coach: Wes Sergel

Goalkeeper coach: Davis Phiri

Head of youth development: Steve Bezuidenhout

First team squad

As of 12 March 2015.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Foreigners

In the RSAn PSL, only five non-RSAn nationals can be registered. Foreign players who have acquired permanent residency can be registered as locals. NAMns born before 1990 can be registered as RSAns.

Paul Were

Sadney Urikhob

Sadate Ouro-Akoriko

Bornwell Mwape

Tapuwa Kapini

Carlington Nyadombo

Willem Mwedihanga (permanent residency)

Shirt sponsor & kit manufacturer

Shirt sponsor: SPAR

Kit manufacturer: Kappa