AmaZulu release Brazilian defender Gustavo Lopes after eight months

AmaZulu have parted company with Brazilian defender Gustavo Lopes after only eight months at the South African club.

The 26-year-old joined AmaZulu in January from Mozambique-based Clube Ferroviario da Beira, but struggled to secure regular first-team opportunities during his short spell.

Lopes made four appearances for the club, starting just once. His only full 90-minute outing came in March, while the other three appearances were made after he came on as a substitute.

The Brazilian is capable of playing either as a central defender or in central midfield. His departure creates another opening for a foreign player in the AmaZulu squad.

Ruis Frois, who works with Lopes alongside the player’s Brazilian agent, confirmed that they are now looking for a new opportunity for the defender in South Africa.

“The next step is to get him another opportunity.

“It didn’t work out at AmaZulu but we move,” says Frois.

Lopes becomes the latest player to leave AmaZulu during the current transfer window, as the club continues to reshape its squad.

Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori and former Bafana Bafana midfielder Bongani Zungu are among the most prominent names already released by the club.

Sphephelo Majola, Mason Mushore and Thabiso Kutumela have also departed AmaZulu in the same window.

Lopes’ brief stay at the club ends after limited involvement in competitive action, despite his ability to operate in two positions. His exit now allows AmaZulu to consider using the available foreign-player place elsewhere in their squad.

AmaZulu’s decision adds the Brazilian defender to a growing list of departures from the club, with Ofori, Zungu, Majola, Mushore and Kutumela also no longer part of the team.

The defender’s representatives will now focus on finding him another club, with Frois confirming that alternative opportunities are being pursued locally.

Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images