AmaZulu sign Orlando Pirates winger Neo Mokoena on permanent deal

AmaZulu have completed the signing of 23-year-old winger Neo Mokoena from Orlando Pirates ahead of the 2026-27 Betway Premiership season.

The Durban club confirmed on Thursday that Mokoena has joined Usuthu as they continue to reshape their squad for the new campaign.

In a statement announcing the deal, AmaZulu said: “AmaZulu Football Club has strengthened its squad with the signing of 23-year-old winger Neo Mokoena ahead of the 2026/27 season.”

Mokoena, who has yet to play top-flight football, arrives at AmaZulu after a spell on the books of Orlando Pirates, where he had been part of the wider first-team group.

Excited for top-flight breakthrough

The winger described the move as a major step in his career and said he is determined to make an impact at his new club.

“I’m grateful to join AmaZulu and thankful to the club for giving me this opportunity,” Mokoena said.

“The atmosphere at training has been amazing. The guys have welcomed me really well, and the intensity is on another level. It’s my first time competing at this level, so I’ll continue working hard and pushing myself every day.

“I would like to thank our Chairman, Mr Sandile Zungu, the entire club and everyone who made this move possible. I’m looking forward to working with Coach Arthur Zwane, my teammates and the technical team.”

Addressing the club’s supporters, he added: “To the AmaZulu supporters, I promise to give my all every time I wear this badge. I can’t wait to get started and make you proud.”

Pathway through Sundowns ranks

Before joining Orlando Pirates, Mokoena came through the youth system at Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s most prolific talent producers.

He progressed through Sundowns’ age-group structures and featured in the DStv Diski Challenge, the Premier Soccer League’s reserve-team competition, where he built his reputation as an attacking wide player.

Mokoena also gained senior experience in the ABC Motsepe League, South Africa’s third tier, which provided him with regular competitive football before his move to Pirates.

Move designed to bolster AmaZulu attack

AmaZulu have not disclosed the length of Mokoena’s contract, but his arrival is part of an ongoing effort to deepen the squad available to Arthur Zwane.

Usuthu will hope the former Sundowns academy player can inject additional pace and creativity into their wide areas as they prepare for the new Betway Premiership campaign.

The club has been active in the transfer market during the off-season as they look to improve on last term’s performances, with Mokoena now set to compete for a place in Zwane’s attacking options.

Mokoena will continue pre-season preparations with AmaZulu as he targets a first-team breakthrough in South Africa’s top flight when the 2026-27 season gets under way.