AmaZulu FC president Sandile Zungu has opened up on the reasons behind the abrupt departure of Vusumuzi Vilakazi who was the club’s co-coach along with Arthur Zwane.
‘Kanu’, as he’s affectionately known, tendered his resignation at AmaZulu on Monday, ending a stint that began in October when he and Zwane replaced the previously sacked Pablo Franco Martin.
He had initially joined the Durban-based club as a DStv Diski Challenge head coach in August prior to being promoted to the first team.
Zungu, speaking on Prime Time Sports with Victor Molefe on Ukhozi FM, said the club and Vilakazi agreed to the latter’s resignation as “mature individuals”.
This was after the former Richards Bay FC coach disclosed the personal issues he was facing that could potentially disrupt his work.
HOW VILAKAZI’S RESIGNATION AT AMAZULU CAME ABOUT
“He told us as Usuthu management that he’s facing issues that he felt were distracting his job and asked to be relieved of his duties so he could deal with this and become a better person and also for the club not to be affected,” said Zungu as translated from isiZulu.
“We then had meetings and decided to accept his request to step down. So, we wish him well in dealing with these demons so he can be better.
“We appreciate his commendable work at Usuthu, particularly his excellent collaboration with Arthur Zwane. We’re not complaining about anything, but these issues were going to distract him from his work.”
When asked whether the club did put pressure on the coach to step down, he said: “Considering that this club is for the [Zulu] nation, we don’t beat around the bush if we feel that there are things that could impede our way forward, we speak to the person.
“So, we asked him how he felt about all of this, and he agreed that the issues [would be problematic for his work]. We were then on the same page.
“I have always emphasised that this club is bigger than me; yes, the financial backing is coming from the Zungu family. But when I’m facing my demons, I should step away. This applies to everyone at the club. We are all accountable for protecting the club’s image in everything we do.
“So, we agreed to separate as mature individuals. I will not, however, reveal details or go out there and damage Vilakazi’s name.”
ZUNGU ON VILAKAZI’S RELATIONSHIPS WITH COLLEAGUES
Zungu also refuted reports suggesting a breakdown in Vilakazi’s relationships with Arthur Zwane [coach] and Pedro Dias [Director of Football].
“I can state unequivocally that those claims are lies. Vilakazi had good relationships with Pedro Dias, Arthur Zwane, and [Siboniso] Vilakazi,” he stated.
“He is a collaborative person who doesn’t like conflicts. I am confident that if any issues had arisen, he would have reported them to me directly.”
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