Sportswire has been informed that AmaZulu defender Thembela Sikhakhane has been released by the club.

Sikhakhane was hampered by injury issues last season, featuring in just nine matches, so his departure from Usuthu does not come as a surprise. The 32-year-old has been with Usuthu since 2020, when he joined the club on a permanent basis after leaving Orlando Pirates, having spent the previous season on loan.

This release is part of coach Arthur Zwane’s effort to clear out “dead wood,” as the club has committed to him leading the side next season after he helped them to a sixth-place finish.

Sikhakhane was among the many players unveiled by Usuthu president Sandile Zungu ahead of the 2020/21 season at the Hilton Hotel in Durban, following the Durban businessman’s acquisition of the club from the Sokhela family.

Other players who joined at that time included Siphiwe Tshabalala, Augustine Mulenga (now back for a second stint), Xola Mlambo, Makhehleni Makhaula, Limbikani Mzava, Luvuyo Memela, Veli Mothwa, Phakamani Mahlambi, Siphelele Mthembu, and Samkelo Mgwazela. Thabo Qalinge and Zukile Kewuti followed in the January 2021 transfer window.

When Qalinge and Kewuti arrived, coach Benni McCarthy had already joined in December 2020. The former Bafana Bafana striker helped Usuthu finish second in the Betway Premiership table that campaign, the club’s highest finish in the PSL. Sikhakhane was an important player at that time, featuring in 25 matches across all competitions.

AmaZulu’s sixth-place finish last term marked their return to the top eight after missing out in the previous two seasons.

In leaving Usuthu this past season, Sikhakhane follows Mothwa, Wayde Jooste, Rowan Human, Abbubaker Mobara, Boniface Haba, and club analyst Tshepo Mahao. Mahao arrived in March on a short-term deal after leaving TS Galaxy. He also previously worked at Royal AM and Polokwane City.