AmaZulu co-coach Vusi Vilakazi is poised to leave the club following mounting tensions with fellow coach Arthur Zwane, sources close to the team have revealed.
The decision comes amid reports of growing disagreements over coaching styles and team management, casting uncertainty over AmaZulu’s current momentum in the Betway Premiership.
Vilakazi, who was promoted to co-coach after leading AmaZulu’s DStv Diski Challenge team, has been instrumental in the club’s resurgence this season.
However, internal friction with Zwane — who joined the club in October following the dismissal of Franco Pablo Martin — has reportedly strained their working relationship.
Zwane arrived at AmaZulu when the team was at its lowest point, languishing at the bottom of the Premiership table after three consecutive defeats.
Since then, the club has found stability, climbing to fifth place with 26 points from 19 matches, a significant turnaround that has sparked optimism among fans.
The team’s latest 3-0 victory over Magesi FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Saturday underscored their growing form.
Despite these positive results, Vilakazi is said to have informed club chairman Sandile Zungu of his intention to step down, citing an increasingly untenable working environment.
Sources suggest that Vilakazi has ambitions of becoming the club’s sole head coach, but internal dynamics have made this goal challenging.
Clashing Coaching Philosophies
One of the primary points of friction between Vilakazi and Zwane reportedly lies in their contrasting coaching philosophies.
Insiders claim that Zwane is seen within the club as more disciplined and committed, often opting for intensive double training sessions.
In contrast, Vilakazi has been criticized for his preference for single sessions, a decision some believe has occasionally hindered the team’s progress.
These differences have not gone unnoticed by the players and staff, with some expressing concerns over the inconsistency in training methods. “Zwane is hands-on and demands more from the squad,” one insider revealed.
“Vilakazi, on the other hand, tends to take a more laid-back approach, which hasn’t always aligned with the club’s broader ambitions.”
This growing divide reportedly led Vilakazi to reconsider his future with AmaZulu, culminating in his decision to step down.
It remains unclear if the club will seek a direct replacement or adjust its coaching structure following his departure.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Vilakazi’s tenure at AmaZulu has been marked by both challenges and achievements. Before joining AmaZulu, he played a pivotal role in helping Richards Bay avoid relegation last season, steering the team to safety through the promotion play-offs.
His success at Richards Bay was further highlighted when the club secured a lucrative three-year R100 million sponsorship deal with Phakwe Gas.
However, AmaZulu has presented a different set of challenges. Vilakazi’s latest stint is his third coaching role within KwaZulu-Natal, having previously co-managed Golden Arrows before transitioning to a technical director role at Chippa United last September.
As AmaZulu weighs its next move, attention now turns to the club’s long-term coaching strategy. The leadership is reportedly eyeing prominent names in South African football, with sources suggesting an interest in Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, though no official approach has been made.
Looking Ahead
For Vilakazi, this potential exit marks another turning point in a coaching career filled with highs and lows. As he considers his next chapter, AmaZulu faces the task of maintaining its strong league form amid potential off-pitch instability.
Meanwhile, Arthur Zwane’s role within the club is expected to strengthen if Vilakazi departs, potentially giving him full control of the team as they push for a top-four finish in the Betway Premiership.
With the season entering a crucial phase, AmaZulu’s ability to navigate these internal shifts could define their campaign — and whether their upward momentum can be sustained in the months ahead.
