AmaZulu have roped in former Bafana Bafana stars Mbulelo Mabizela and Reneilwe Letsholonyane to form part of the development structures.
As part of club president Sandile Zungu’s ambitious plan, Usuthu wants to win regular trophies with a squad of predominantly homegrown players by 2032 - their 100-year anniversary.
As such, they have brought on board one of - if not the - country’s most talented ever defenders in ‘OJ’ Mabizela, who played for the club in the twilight of his illustrious career.
‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane has no previous affiliation with the club but is a serial winner, predominantly from his time anchoring the midfields of Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United.
“Development has to be about mirroring what’s happening at the professional senior level,” AmaZulu director Mfundo Zungu said at the coaches’ unveiling.
“Bringing in those big names is not a ‘publicity stunt’. I find it disrespectful to the club and those players. The coaches have gone through a thorough interview and assessment process before they were appointed.
“The president, one of his wishes for the club among results, achievements and winning trophies, is that by 2032 – the club’s 100th anniversary – the majority of the squad are home-grown talents.”