In a clear statement of intent for the upcoming season, AmaZulu FC has moved to secure the services of two pivotal midfielders, one of them being the Kaizer Chiefs target Bongani Zungu and Pule Ekstein, by exercising their contract options.
According to FARPost, both players, whose current contracts were due to expire on June 30th, will remain integral parts of the squad for the 2025/26 campaign, providing essential experience.
This strategic retention underscores AmaZulu's ambitions to build on a successful previous season. The team impressively secured a 6th-place finish, comfortably within the top eight, which guarantees their spot in the prestigious MTN8 competition next season.
With Arthur Zwane at the helm, the club is determined to maintain and even elevate its competitive standing, drawing confidence from the significant performance improvements seen late last campaign.
‘Ben 10′ as he's widely known, has quickly proven his worth since joining AmaZulu in December 2024 on a free transfer after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns.
In just half a season, he seamlessly slotted into Zwane’s starting eleven, instantly bolstering the midfield of the Durban-based side.
His immediate impact was pivotal in Usuthu's strong finish within the top half of the Betway Premiership. Zungu featured in 17 matches across all competitions (15 league, 2 Nedbank Cup), notably marking his debut with a goal.
EKSTEIN TO CONTINUE WITH AMAZULU
Ekstein, one of the longest-serving members, at the KZN outfit since the 2021/22 season after joining on a free transfer from Azerbaijan's Sabail FK, has also been critical to the team's successes.
Ekstein played a major role in guiding Zwane's troops to their top-eight finish. His contributions last season included 25 appearances, three goals, and two assists. Overall, Ekstein's impressive Usuthu career highlights his consistent value, with a total of 81 appearances, seven goals, and five assists to his name.
