The owner explained that the decision to allow defender Veluyeke Zulu, midfielder George Maluleka, as well as striker Augustine Kwem to exit was arrived at in consultation with coach Pablo Martin as they map the way forward.

All three players singed for Usuthu two years ago, under then-coach Brandon Truter, and were expected to make an immediate impact, but they have, however, been bit-part players since his succecessor took charge.

“Yes, I can confirm they will be leaving the club because their contracts have come to an end," Zungu told SABC Sport.

"The coach and his backroom staff are discussing the way forward and feel they have other plans – so this means Veluyeke Zulu, George Maluleka and Augustine Kwem will not be staying with us."

Kwem joined AmaZulu following his transfer from TS Galaxy, and perhaps his 11 goals in 49 matches from all competitions could be a big factor in him being offloaded, suggesting the club will be looking for a replacement.

Maluleka, affectionately known as ‘Mido’, moved to the Durban-based outfit on the back of a tough two years with DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, having previously joined them as a free agent from Kaizer Chiefs.

The ex-SuperSport United academy graduate featured in just 17 games for AmaZulu under Martin, and had been struggling with some health issues after collapsing twice during the previous season.

Though the 35-year-old had been declared fit to return to action, he found it hard to consistently break into the starting line-up.

Zulu, meanwhile, was overlooked and only played five times for Usuthu during the season that has just ended.

MORE TRANSFER NEWS: Cape Town City release five players

Teams	M	W	L	PTS	NET RR
Kenya	7	7	0	14	3.456
Uganda	7	6	1	12	3.715
Rwanda	8	4	4	8	0.599
Botswana	7	1	6	2	-2.756
Sierra Leone	7	0	7	0	-5.021

Finished Africa Continental Cup