AmaZulu FC have bolstered their squad with the signing of former Cape Town City FC midfielder Luyolo Slatsha and Brazilian-born defender Gustavo Lopes ahead of the 2025/26 PSL season resumption.
The two signings add to Usuthu’s strong performance in the transfer market, as they join a highly competitive squad of young and exciting prospects.
AmaZulu have consistently shown a strong commitment in their pursuit of Slatsha’s signature. The club has eventually succeeded in their quest, beating other PSL rivals like Kaizer Chiefs, who were also reported to have shown interest in the player.
The Cape Town City academy graduate has shared his first sentiments since landing in the Durban. The 23-year-old commended Usuthu for an all-round professional environment as he made his first interactions with the team.
“It’s been a very welcoming environment so far. It’s an open space where the relationship between the coaches and players is very good. Communication is open, direct, accountable, and demanding in terms of the standards required to compete in the league,” said Slatsha.
Over the past two transfer windows, Usuthu had undergone a drastic revamp in their recruitment. The club made an intentional effort to strike a perfect balance between youth and seasoned figures in their squad.
Slatsha identified the balance as one of the most standout elements of the squad he will soon be joining in camp.
“There’s a strong balance in the squad, experienced, big-name players alongside exciting young talent. I believe this group can produce something special. My focus right now is to establish myself within the team, and from there, further aspirations will follow as things go,” he said.
WHO IS GUSTAVO VIEIRA LOPES?
The club continues to demonstrate a specific focus on bolstering their central midfield. Evidently, their last five signings all operate as midfielders, with the pair coming after the recently announced Mason Mushore.
The Brazilian joins Usuthu from Mozambican first division side, Ferroviário de Beira. The dynamic midfielder was signed as a free agent having parted ways with former side in January.
Although dynamic in his play, Vieira typically operates as a central defensive midfielder. At 25, Lopes comes with a wealth of experienced. Before departing for Mozambique, he served in four clubs throughout the second and third tier leagues of Brazilian football.
The Brazilian also shared his first few words after joining the oldest club in the PSL. He expressed similar sentiments to his new teammate, maintaining high praise for Usuthu’s reception and the all-round environment at the club.
“South African football comes with a lot of pressure and is widely followed beyond the country’s borders.”
“It’s good, well-played football, and that is clear to see. I’ve been very well received since arriving and have seen first-hand how organized the club is. The structure here is strong and professional, and I believe this is a club capable of achieving something significant,” said Gustavo.
With the two new signings, Usuthu continue to position themselves as a formidable force in the PSL, making major football changes throughout the club’s structures and beyond.
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