AmaZulu assess Samkelo Mgwazela after defender returns to training

AmaZulu FC are considering whether to offer former defender Samkelo Mgwazela a second spell at the club after inviting him to train with their squad.

The 26-year-old centre-back has been without a club since leaving Casric Stars in 2024 and is attempting to revive his career by earning another opportunity with AmaZulu.

Mgwazela previously played for the club’s first team from 2020 to 2023, a period in which he enjoyed a successful spell under former manager Benni McCarthy.

AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane said Mgwazela approached the club himself to ask for permission to train, and that the request was accepted. Zwane said he had been impressed by the defender’s ability over several seasons and was prepared to give him an opportunity.

“Mgwazela asked for an opportunity, and I know him as a young man before,” said Zwane.

“He came on board and he did very well actually that time. I don’t know what happened.

“I look at where I am right now, I’m in KZN and he’s a KZN boy. I’m here to give opportunities to the KZN boys.”

Mgwazela has made an encouraging start since joining the training group, but AmaZulu have stressed that no agreement has yet been reached.

Zwane said the defender remained under assessment and would need to show that he could meet the physical and performance demands required to return to the Betway Premiership.

“He’s a big boy, very aggressive, he can also play. But he was out of the game for some time,” he added.

“With the mentality I have of giving players opportunities, I have patience. It’s all up to him. He needs to lose weight, to work harder than the players who were already in the system.

“So far, he’s shown good signs, I’m impressed. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to sign him. We’re still going to sit down and see if we need him.

“If he brings in different quality that will help the club going forward, there’s no doubt.”

Zwane’s comments indicate that Mgwazela must continue to improve his fitness and demonstrate that he can offer something different to the players already established within the squad.

The coach said the defender’s previous experience and physical qualities had made a positive impression, but added that the club would first decide whether his return could strengthen the team before considering a contract.

Mgwazela’s previous time at AmaZulu came during the McCarthy era, before his departure from Casric Stars left him without a club in 2024. He is now hoping that his training opportunity in KwaZulu-Natal can lead to a return to competitive football and a second spell with Usuthu.

The story was written by Sinethemba Sithole.