AmaZulu partner with Levante UD to strengthen academy pathway for KZN talent

AmaZulu have entered a strategic partnership with Spanish LaLiga club Levante UD aimed at improving development opportunities for young footballers in KwaZulu-Natal.

The South African club are the only side in the province with a complete academy structure, covering teams from under-13 to under-19 level. They plan to use Levante’s European experience and expertise to improve the pathway for local players.

AmaZulu chief executive Sinenjabulo Zungu said the agreement had been in preparation for several months and would bring a range of activities focused on youth development.

“Yeah, it’s been a couple of months we’ve been working on this,” said Zungu.

“We’re very excited about the partnership. It is going to come with a lot of activities and development for the young people of AmaZulu.

“And I think this speaks to the active and practical steps we’re taking to ensure that our academy is at the level that we want it to be at.

“I think it’s no secret that AmaZulu is the only club in KZN with a full academy. A development structure from under 13 to under 19, and we take pride in that.

“So, I am happy to announce that AmaZulu has a partnership with Levante from Spain.”

The collaboration is intended to help AmaZulu retain the best young players in KwaZulu-Natal by providing them with high-level coaching and access to development standards associated with European football.

Club president Sandile Zungu said the partnership would also form part of AmaZulu’s strategic vision for 2032. The long-term aim is to produce players capable of earning significant moves overseas while helping the club reach the highest level of success.

He said selecting the right partners would be essential to ensuring young players received the appropriate care, coaching and physical preparation from an early stage.

“It starts with finding the right kind of partners who will make sure that the young players who come with twisted leg, that they are well fed, they are well coached at the development stage, and ultimately they can showcase their talent in leagues where they can say, this one has been well trained, he’s been well developed, he knows his place, he makes things right, he’s well fed, his physique matches what is dealt in world class environments. We think he’s fit for a R12 million transfer fee,” said president Zungu.

Zungu added that the investment was designed to benefit both the players and the club’s wider business interests.

“In other words, you invest in the future of the players because you’re intentional by investing in the future of the brand, also intentional about delivering financial returns to the shareholders.

“So our vision in 2032, in a nutshell, is about ensuring that when we ultimately march into 2032, it will be taken for granted that AmaZulu is a great brand.”