Wayde Jooste, a defender who was among several players to leave AmaZulu FC at the end of the previous season, has now opened up on his departure from the club.
Jooste was one of more than 15 players who departed Usuthu in June, ending a two-season stint at the club, having joined them at the beginning of the 2023/24 PSL campaign.
Still unattached, Jooste is currently representing South Africa in the African Nations Championship [CHAN], which is taking place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. He has played in both group stage matches against Algeria and Guinea, providing one assist in the process.
Reflecting on his departure from AmaZulu, Jooste stated that he was caught off guard by the club’s decision not to extend his contract, given how frequently he had played last season. The right-back played 22 matches across all competitions.
JOOSTE REFLECTS ON HIS DEPARTURE FROM AMAZULU
“[The reason for exit], I guess it can only be my contract ran out but it is what it is,” Jooste told FARPost.
“Honestly, for the amount of games I played [last season], I didn’t expect it all. I thought maybe my contract was going to be extended because I was one of the defenders or players that played the most in the season. So, I can’t say that I did expect it. But then at the end of the day that’s football for you.”
He added: “I’m glad I could contribute over the two seasons I was there. I was grateful for the opportunity that was given to me by the president [Sandile Zungu].
“I enjoyed my time there and only have the good things to say about the club.”
When asked about his time as a free agent so far and potential club interest, Jooste admitted the experience hasn’t been easy, but emphasising he remains patient.
JOOSTE – ‘I TRY NOT TO THINK TOO MUCH’
“Things haven’t been easy, it’s never easy when you don’t have a club,” he stated. “But I try not to think too much about that, I leave that for my agent. It’s just for me to concentrate on training, and leaving the off-the-field things stay off the field.
“I trust that the Lord has the plan for my life. I trust that there’s a reason I don’t have a club right now. So it’s just to be patient and work hard now with the national team, play as much as I can to put my name out there.
“So, I just have to be patient cause if I concentrate too much that I don’t have a club and who will sign me. I won’t be able to be a father.”
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