In a stern message, AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu has told Usuthu players to win trophies or go come the end of the season.
Zungu is eager to see Usuthu flourish on and off the field under new coach Romain Folz, who joins the KwaZulu-Natal side on a contract until the end of the season.
When Zungu took over from the Sokhela family in 2020, the club was regarded as a relegation candidate.
However, soon after Zungu arrived, things seemingly changed for the better, with AmaZulu growing their brand and playing much better football as they have signed some of the top stars in South African football, such as Dumisani Zuma, Gabadinho Mhango, and George Maluleka.
AmaZulu started the new season like a house on fire, but their performance has dropped dramatically as they are without a win in their last five DStv Premiership games.
Brandon Truter has been a casualty due to the club’s recent form, with Folz coming in to lead Usuthu.
Zungu, addressing the media on Monday afternoon, emphasised the importance of improving on the field of play and what will be the repercussions if the club doesn’t produce the desired positive results.
WIN OR GO, SAYS ZUNGU
“It is very important that Usuthu remains in the top four, in everything within football, from the fanbase to the position in the log,” said Zungu.
“Now we need to win trophies; we give them [players and the coach] support and everything they need; they must win trophies, or else they will be released.
“We are learning what we need from coaches and what kind of approach we need; here, we review everything, including players.
“Last season, we released fifteen players because if there are no positive results, then there must be consequences.
“We can’t invest a lot of money and do nothing when results are not coming. That’s why we don’t interfere with the coaches’ work, we don’t take credit for their success, and they must account if they not getting results,” he added.
With new coach Folz more or less the same age as most of the AmaZulu players and even younger to some, the president says every player is expected to give him respect.
“The coach is in charge, and we hired him because we believe in him; players are hired to help him in succeeding; they are required to respect him,” declared Zungu.
“The coach has been given a contract until the end of the season, if he does well, he will continue, and if he does not, we will make some changes.”
