AmaZulu Hand Ekstein Extension As Zungu Departs Usuthu
AmaZulu have extended the contract of veteran attacker Hendrick Ekstein, who stood out as one of the shining lights in the Usuthu attack last term.
The 35-year-old was one of the club’s most heavily utilized players last season, featuring in 27 league matches and contributing five goals and three assists.
His stellar form played a crucial role in helping Usuthu secure an impressive fourth-place finish in the Betway Premiership, accumulating 47 points from 30 matches.
Across all competitions, the former Kaizer Chiefs playmaker racked up 31 appearances and netted seven goals. Factoring in his previous stints with Chiefs, as well as Azerbaijani clubs Sabah Baku and Sabail, this past season stands as the most prolific goalscoring campaign of Ekstein’s professional career—a testament to his consistent game time.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu have parted ways with midfielder Bongani Zungu following a underwhelming stint with the club. The former Bafana Bafana international struggled for game time during Usuthu’s top-four league campaign, making just 15 appearances across all competitions.
Head coach Arthur Zwane consistently preferred the likes of Liam Bern, Siyanda Hlangabeza, Langelihle Mhlongo, and Siphamandla Zikhali in the engine room, with Luyolo Slatsha also ahead of Zungu in the midfield pecking order.
Zungu originally arrived at Usuthu during the 2024/25 season after his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, where his contract was not renewed following the exit of former coach Rulani Mokwena.
However, his time in Durban failed to spark; in his first season with Usuthu, he featured in 16 matches across all competitions without registering a single goal or assist.
Zungu is not the only high-profile casualty of the squad shake-up. Forward Thabiso Kutumela has also been shown the door, as recently revealed by this publication.
Much like Zungu, the former Sundowns attacker leaves the club after struggling to cement his place following his arrival early last season.
