AmaZulu announce Vusumuzi Vilakazi's departure and confirm Kaizer Chiefs legend Arthur Zwane will be a 'sole' head coach of Usuthu

AmaZulu have announced that Vusumuzi Vilakazi has stepped down from his position effective immediately and confirmed that Arthur Zwane will assume the role of sole head coach.

Vilakazi and Zwane were appointed as co-head coaches in October 2024 after Usuthu parted ways with Spanish mentor Pablo Franco Martin following a poor streak of results. 

AmaZulu issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon, indicating that Vilakazi has departed the team due to personal issues that require his immediate attention.

"AmaZulu Football Club has announced the resignation of Co-Head Coach Vusi Vilakazi, who wished to step down with immediate effect," reads the club's statement. 

"In his letter of resignation, Vilakazi referred to the personal matters (which) require his urgent attention, making it impossible for him to fully commit to his responsibilities at the club.

"Club President Sandile Zungu has accepted Vilakazi’s request to be relieved of his duties with immediate effect. This transition leaves Arthur “Phakimpi” Zwane as the sole Head Coach, going forward." 

AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu also bid farewell to Vilakazi.

"On behalf of the entire Usuthu family, players, technical and administrative personnel, supporters and board members, we wish Mpiyakhe all the best in his future endeavors," Zungu said. 

Zwane, who has experience as a player and coach with Kaizer Chiefs, and Vilakazi, who moved up from AmaZulu's reserve team, worked admirably during their five-month tenure as co-coaches.

The duo took charge of Usuthu when the team was struggling to garner positive results and were sitting in the relegation zone in the Premier Soccer League table.

The Durban-based team is currently in fifth place in the league standings, having accumulated 26 points from 19 matches. Usuthu have recorded nine losses, two draws, and eight victories so far.

Zwane's first task as AmaZulu's sole head coach will be a league match against the struggling Cape Town City, which is managed by his former coach Muhsin Ertugral.

10 111, as Zwane is nicknamed, will be hoping for a successful tenure with Usuthu, while Vilakazi will now be looking out for new opportunities.