AmaZulu shake-up: Co-head coach Vusi Vilakazi resigns with immediate effect

AmaZulu have been rocked by the sudden resignation of co-head coach Vusi Vilakazi, who has stepped down with immediate effect, citing personal matters that require his urgent attention.

In his resignation letter, Vilakazi explained that his personal commitments would prevent him from fully dedicating himself to his role at the club.

“AmaZulu Football Club has announced the resignation of co-head coach Vilakazi, who wished to step down with immediate effect,” the club’s statement read.

This unexpected development leaves Arthur “10111” Zwane as the sole head coach of Usuthu for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign.

Club president, Sandile Zungu, confirmed the news, saying he has accepted Vilakazi’s decision to leave his post immediately. In a heartfelt farewell, Zungu expressed his appreciation for Vilakazi’s contributions:

“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 endeavors.”

With Vilakazi’s departure, all eyes will be on Zwane as he navigates this leadership change.

Vilakazi and Zwane were appointed as co-head coaches in October last year following Pablo Franco Martin’s rough start to the season, which saw AmaZulu struggling in the relegation zone. Under their leadership, Usuthu managed to turn things around, climbing to fifth place in the league standings.

However, their journey wasn’t without setbacks, including a recent disappointing exit from the Nedbank Cup in the Round of 16 against Marumo Gallants.

Vilakazi’s resignation marks another chapter in what has been a whirlwind coaching career over the past year and a half.

His journey has seen him in and out of several clubs, beginning with a brief three-month stint as Head Coach at Golden Arrows. He then moved to Chippa United as a Technical Director, a role that lasted just four months.

Before joining AmaZulu, Vilakazi was Head Coach at Richards Bay, where he played a pivotal role in helping the team avoid relegation. However, he was shown the exit door before the 2024/25 season kicked off.

He then took charge of AmaZulu’s DStv Diski Challenge side before being promoted to co-head coach alongside Zwane. Now, with his resignation, AmaZulu faces yet another transition.

Supporters will be keen to see how Zwane leads the team solo as they continue their Betway Premiership campaign, having watched the duo transform their side in recent months.

AmaZulu will return to action in the Betway Premiership on Sunday when they face Cape Town City at King Zwelithini Stadium.