AmaZulu Co-Head Coach

AmaZulu Football Club announced that Co-Head Coach Vusi Vilakazi has resigned from his position with immediate effect. The news, confirmed in an official club statement, marks the end of Vilakazi’s tenure at the Durban-based outfit, leaving Arthur “Phakimpi” Zwane to steer the Usuthu ship alone as sole Head Coach. Vilakazi cited personal matters requiring his urgent attention as the reason for his sudden departure, a decision that has sent ripples through the South African football community.

A Sudden Exit: Vilakazi’s Resignation Explained

AmaZulu Football Club wasted no time in making the news public, releasing a statement on 25 February 2025 that read: “AmaZulu Football Club has announced the resignation of Co-Head Coach Vusi Vilakazi, who wished to step down with immediate effect.” The statement went on to reveal that Vilakazi had penned a letter of resignation, pointing to “personal matters (which) require his urgent attention” as the driving force behind his exit. These unspecified issues, he explained, made it impossible for him to fully commit to his role at the club.

Club President Sandile Zungu, in accepting Vilakazi’s request to step down, didn’t hesitate to bid him a heartfelt farewell. “On behalf of the entire Usuthu family — players, technical and administrative personnel, supporters and board members — we wish Mpiyakhe all the best in his future endeavours,” Zungu said. The use of Vilakazi’s nickname, “Mpiyakhe,” added a personal touch to the farewell, reflecting the respect and affection the club held for the departing coach.

The announcement has left fans and analysts speculating about what these “personal matters” could be. While the club has kept details under wraps — a move typical of South African football clubs respecting privacy — posts on X hinted at “serious personal issues” that AmaZulu deemed unmanageable, according to @sportswireza. Whatever the reasons, Vilakazi’s exit signals a significant shift for AmaZulu as they head into a critical phase of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.

Arthur Zwane Steps Up: A New Era for Usuthu

With Vilakazi’s departure, Arthur Zwane, affectionately known as “Phakimpi” (a nod to his knack for getting results), now takes the reins as AmaZulu’s sole Head Coach. Zwane and Vilakazi had been appointed as co-coaches in October 2024, replacing Pablo Franco Martin after a dismal start to the season that saw Usuthu languishing at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table. Together, the duo turned things around, lifting AmaZulu to a respectable fifth place with 23 points from 17 matches as of their last outing on 22 February 2025 — a 3-0 thrashing of Magesi FC.

Zwane, a former Kaizer Chiefs legend, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His time as co-coach alongside Vilakazi showcased his tactical nous and ability to motivate players. Speaking after the Magesi victory, Zwane told IOL that AmaZulu’s fifth-place standing “belies their true potential,” pointing to mental barriers as the team’s biggest hurdle. Now, with full control, Zwane has a golden opportunity to stamp his mark on the squad and push for a CAF Confederation Cup spot — a dream that’s tantalisingly within reach with 11 matches left in the season.

The club statement confirmed that AmaZulu’s next test under Zwane’s sole leadership will come on Sunday, 2 March 2025, when they host Cape Town City at King Zwelithini Stadium in the Betway Premiership. It’s a match that could set the tone for Zwane’s new chapter and prove whether he can carry the momentum forward without his former partner.

The Vilakazi-Zwane Partnership: A Brief but Impactful Run

Vusi Vilakazi and Arthur Zwane’s partnership was a breath of fresh air for AmaZulu fans. Appointed in October 2024, the duo inherited a team in crisis. Under Franco Martin, Usuthu had struggled, picking up just a handful of points and suffering a humiliating 5-0 loss to Stellenbosch FC in January 2025. The co-coaching experiment, while unconventional, paid dividends. Vilakazi, known as “Kanu” from his playing days, brought a steady hand, while Zwane’s insider knowledge — especially against former club Kaizer Chiefs — gave AmaZulu an edge.

One standout moment was their 2-2 draw against Chiefs at FNB Stadium on 4 February 2025. Vilakazi had hinted at leaning on Zwane’s expertise for that clash, telling IOL, “Arthur Zwane knows them in and out.” The result — a hard-fought point against a wounded Amakhosi side — showcased their synergy. Another highlight was the recent 3-0 win over Magesi, which SuperSport described as “a comfortable victory in Durban,” lifting AmaZulu closer to the top four.

Yet, cracks appeared at times. Vilakazi’s frustration with refereeing decisions boiled over after a 1-0 Nedbank Cup loss to Marumo Gallants on 15 February 2025. “Firstly, I’m very disappointed with the referee today,” he told SuperSport, brandishing his phone to highlight contentious calls. That outburst hinted at the pressure he was under — pressure that may have contributed to his decision to step away.

What’s Next for Vusi Vilakazi?

Vilakazi’s resignation raises questions about his future in football. A respected figure in South African football, “Kanu” has a storied career as both a player and coach. Before joining AmaZulu, he made his name at clubs like Chippa United and Golden Arrows, earning a reputation for his calm demeanour and tactical acumen. His stint at Usuthu, though brief, added to his legacy, helping stabilise a sinking ship.

Speculation is rife about what lies ahead. Will he take a break to address his “personal matters,” or could another club snap him up? Posts on X, like those from @SoccerBeatZA, suggest his departure was unexpected, with no hints of a new job on the horizon. For now, Vilakazi has chosen silence beyond his resignation letter, leaving fans and pundits to wish him well as he navigates this personal chapter.

AmaZulu’s Season So Far: A Rollercoaster Ride

To understand the impact of Vilakazi’s exit, it’s worth looking at AmaZulu’s 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign. The season began with disaster under Franco Martin, who was sacked after a string of losses. The Vilakazi-Zwane era brought hope, with wins against Marumo Gallants (2-0) and Magesi (3-0), plus a gritty draw against Chiefs. But setbacks, like the 5-0 Stellenbosch drubbing and the Nedbank Cup exit, showed there’s work to be done.

As of 25 February 2025, AmaZulu sit fifth with 23 points, three behind fourth-placed Sekhukhune United. Their recent form — two wins and a draw in their last three league games — suggests they’re on the up. The iDiski Times report on Vilakazi’s resignation noted that AmaZulu’s next fixture against Cape Town City will be Zwane’s first solo test, with fans eager to see if he can maintain the momentum.

Off the pitch, the club has faced scrutiny. A Yahoo Finance report on 24 February 2025 highlighted broader South African football issues, with Google facing penalties for anti-competitive practices against media outlets — a reminder of the commercial pressures clubs like AmaZulu navigate. For Usuthu, staying focused on the pitch will be key.

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