Aims and objectives

The aim of Amazulu Youth Development is to produce more talented young players to perform their football skills at professional club level and at national team level. The club has qualified coaches with an eye for spotting talent.

These coaches have an idea of the desired academic background needed to strike a balance between behavioural and sporting prowess in order to groom and develop players.

Overview

The Amazulu Youth Development was established in the 1980’s. It was not as finely structured as it is run nowadays. Players such as the legendary Joe Faya and Mdu Nxele, one of the best midfielders to have been produced by Amazulu, were identified from the development structures.

The purpose is still the same as it was back in the early days: producing players that will graduate to the senior squad. Another purpose in Usuthu’s development is to try and produce players that will go on to perform at professional level not exclusively for Amazulu but for other clubs as well.

Our qualified coaches are encouraged to give these young players an opportunity to show off their skills. The desired objective is to have a coach that puts his personal ambitions aside and focuses solely on developing players.

In terms of talent identification, players are identified through playing other teams as opponents in mini tournaments all around KZN. Players identified outside the greater part of Durban and surrounding areas are not left out i.e. in Margate we have Mr M. Benjamin (South Coast) and in Tugela there is Vincent Sokhela.

The club contributes to community projects such as the Spar and Build It tournaments to identify further talent. In addition trials are hosted on a yearly basis.

Durban Warriors is a separately run team which works closely with AmaZulu, effectively becoming a feeder for the first team. Warriors campaign in the Vodacom League and have produce players for the first team, their latest prospect is defender-cum-midfielder Alastair Wallis.

Players between 19-22 are accepted by Durban Warriors, provided they have completed matric. Accommodation is provided to these players. However, for a player who is under the age of 19, a file is opened for him where it is ensured that the player is registered with the club, however a team in his area of study can still look after him. This relationship ensures that both teams work together in monitoring the players’ progression.

The main objective is to give players from Kwa Zulu Natal a chance to grow and expand their potential. Recently, five players have been identified and offered junior contracts and some of them have been loaned to other clubs.

Head coaches’ responsibilities also include finding ways of encouraging regular interface between parents and the development staff. This is done in the form of formal meetings or via telephone meetings.

Under 13

The Under 13 side is managed by Fish Zondo who is in his late 20s but has an unquestionable relationship with the youngsters he mentors as well as with former Usuthu defender, Sazi “Ninja” Ngubane. Sazi Ngubane was a member of successful 1994 squad which won the Coca Cola Cup. The latter is assistant, while Zondo is the Head Coach.

Under 15

Headed by Sunny “Venter” Mtshali and Justice Mtshali the under 15 side is the last team to have lifted success in the form of the Engen Knockout Challenge in July. The team played in place of the Under 17 competition and surprised many by retaining the trophy that was won by last season’s under 17 side. Justice is a former player of AmaZulu whilst Sunny is a product of the club’s development side under Thulani Hlatshwayo.

Under 17

Veteran midfield minder and defender Thulani “Tiger” Hlatshwayo has been around in the Usuthu structures as a player having played alongside players like Sugar Ray Xulu and Chippa Khoza. Hlatshwayo has been around since the structures’ first inception and mentors the under 17s with his assistant Dito Mkhize.

First Team Feeder Team

Durban Warriors are coached by former AmaZulu great Joel “Mlilo” Faya. Warriors campaign in the Vodacom League. Having been a product of AmaZulu and one of the few players introduced from a team of established players, Faya went on to make a name for himself as fearless goal poacher. He is assisted by Thulani “Mpandla” Cele who looks after all the needs of the players and liaises with AmaZulu in any exchange of players.

Head of Development

Thami “TV” Ngubane is virtually new at the helm of AmaZulu’s development structures, but has been around in the game. He has coached Golden Arrows Development and works together with all coaches, forming the link between Management and the main team.

Training Grounds

The AmaZulu Youth Development teams are all based and train at Redhill Sport Grounds in Durban North and attract most of their players from Durban and surrounding areas.