AmaZulu Part Ways With Kutumela After Contract Expiration

Sportswire can confirm that AmaZulu will part ways with forward Thabiso Kutumela at the end of June.

The club’s hierarchy officially decided against renewing the veteran striker’s contract beyond its impending June 30 expiration date.

Kutumela originally joined Usuthu in September last year on a short-term, one-year agreement. He earned the move after delivering a string of impressive performances during Bafana Bafana’s successful CHAN campaign in Uganda.

The 32-year-old navigated that continental tournament as a free agent following his departure from Richards Bay at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

He previously anchored the Natal Rich Boyz’ frontline, guiding the club to a historic top-eight Betway Premiership finish.

Throughout his single campaign in Durban with AmaZulu, Kutumela registered 17 appearances across all competitions. He found the back of the net twice while providing a single assist.

His individual highlight of the season arrived when he curled home a brilliant free-kick to sink his former employers, Richards Bay, in a tense KwaZulu-Natal derby.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker also provided vital experience to a flourishing squad marshaled by head coach Arthur Zwane. His veteran presence helped Usuthu maintain defensive accountability and attacking shape, ultimately securing a coveted top-four league finish.

However, with Zwane aggressively transitioning the team toward a younger, high-intensity attacking identity ahead of the 2026/27 season, management ultimately opted to clear up wage bills by letting the experienced frontman test the free agency waters.