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AmaZulu FC president Sandile Zungu says the club took a long, hard look at themselves following criticism from Teko Modise, who described KZN teams as dumping grounds for players discarded by Johannesburg clubs.
Zungu admitted the comment sent shivers down their spine, but also struck a chord.
Speaking at the official unveiling of their new squad and 2025/26 kit, Zungu revealed that Usuthu have responded by lowering the team’s average age for the coming season to just over 24, from 30 years and one month last season.
"We've cut off six years from the team, and the quality is very good – if not better, so thanks to Teko Modise, who basically sent shivers down our spine and woke us up from the slumber," said Zungu.
AmaZulu parted ways with 17 players in a sweeping squad overhaul, including veteran goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, defenders Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Kwanda Mngonyama, and Abbubaker Mobara.
To inject fresh energy, the club has recruited striker Thando Ngwenya (23), defender Keagan Allen (25), and goalkeeper Darren Johnson (28), while forward Ryan Moon (29) returns following a stint at Golden Arrows.
Zungu also confirmed three players from the club’s development ranks have been promoted to the first team.
"The quality of our players, who are younger, hungry – if not hungrier, and a lot of players have been promoted from the junior ranks, we think it's the kind of association that the Premier is looking for," he added.
"That we grow our own team and develop our own talent, and showcase them, and we think it's going to be a great season for AmaZulu Football Club."
