AmaZulu are on the verge of signing former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Kwanda Mngonyama.

Mngonyama is a free agent after leaving Moroka Swallows at the end of last season. It was clear that he would be departing the club regardless of the circumstances. Swallows, which was sold to Marumo Gallants, faced severe financial difficulties last season, forcing them to forfeit two league matches against Golden Arrows and Sundowns in December.

Hailing from Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal, Mngonyama is set to replace Veluyeke Zulu, who left Usuthu at the end of last season. The 30-year-old defender joined Swallows in the 2022/23 season after a single campaign with Orlando Pirates, following his departure from Maritzburg United.

Mngonyama will join Etiosa Ignodaro, who has been signed on loan from Sundowns, as Usuthu’s new signings. The club will officially unveil Ignodaro and many others later this month.

Despite coming through the Sundowns development ranks, Mngonyama never played for the Tshwane giants. He began his career at Bidvest Wits in the 2013/14 season, losing the Nedbank Cup final to Pirates in Durban. He then spent four seasons at Maritzburg, where he excelled under Steve Komphela, earning the club’s Player of the Season award in 2014/15 as they achieved a historic top-eight finish.

In 2017/18, Mngonyama joined Cape Town City, contributing to their MTN8 triumph over SuperSport United in Durban the following season. This remains his only career trophy, having suffered defeats in the Carling Knockout Cup twice (with Sundowns and Maritzburg) and the CAF Confederations Cup with Pirates.

Mngonyama will join an AmaZulu side eager to improve on their recent performances, having finished outside the top eight in the past two seasons. Club president Sandile Zungu has set a target of a top-four finish for the upcoming campaign.