AmaZulu Can’t Register “New Signing” Bern

AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu has confirmed the club’s signing of Liam Bern, but stated they cannot register him with the PSL due to an ongoing dispute.

The issue stems from Cape Town Spurs, who are contesting the move. Spurs were relegated to amateur football at the end of last season, and AmaZulu believes this allows them to sign Bern as a free agent. However, Spurs argue that they are still entitled to a transfer fee for the player.

AmaZulu’s position is based on an NSL rule that states if a club is outside the top two professional leagues (the Betway Premiership and Motsepe Foundation Championship), its players are declared free agents.

Because the matter is still under judicial review, Bern was not part of AmaZulu’s new kit launch or the unveiling of their new players and technical team on Tuesday.

“Everyone knows about Liam Bern, there is nothing I can say about that,” Zungu said. “He is a great talent, but we can’t register him until the matter with Cape Town Spurs is resolved.”

Bern isn’t the only player from Spurs in this situation; two other players, Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebhayi, have taken the club to the PSL’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) to be allowed to leave for free and join Kaizer Chiefs.

Bern’s handlers are waiting for the Baartman and Velebhayi matter to be concluded before they can act judicially along with AmaZulu.

In the meantime, AmaZulu officially unveiled new signings Keagan Allan, Ryan Moon, Darren Johnson, and Thando Ngwenya.

Zungu also confirmed that Senzo Ndlovu, who was on loan at Durban City last season, has been deemed surplus to requirements by the coaches.

“I won’t talk about the player—Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu,” Zungu said. “It is not good behavior to talk about a player when we have noticed that he is possibly not in the plans of the technical team for this coming season. But it is a matter for one-on-one discussion.”

The club has also promoted four players from within: Asanda Mzobe, Onke Ncama, Minenhle Ngcobo, and Thandanani “Obama” Mhlongo. Finally, AmaZulu confirmed Posnet Omony as the new goalkeeper coach and Simo Dladla, who led Durban City last season, as an assistant coach.