Exclusive: Dladla Leaked Info, Arrived At Usuthu Meetings Smelling Alcohol

Sportswire has gathered further information surrounding Simo Dladla at AmaZulu, including allegations of leaking information to the opposition and arriving at team activities smelling of alcohol.

The publication has been informed that Dladla allegedly began asserting himself as early as the third match of the season, with claims that he sought to destabilise coach Zwane’s position.

A source further alleged that Dladla arrived late to a team meeting while smelling of alcohol—conduct that reportedly did not sit well with Zwane, particularly as it occurred in front of the players.

Additional claims suggest that during AmaZulu’s match against Durban City, Dladla may have leaked information to the opposition—a club he helped promote at the end of last season and is believed to be keen on rejoining.

Zwane is said to have raised these concerns with club president Sandile Zungu, indicating that he could not continue working under such conditions.

As a result, the club opted to suspend Dladla until the end of the season, with indications that he is expected to leave thereafter.

He is currently not involved in training sessions or matchday activities, although he will continue to be paid in line with his existing contract, as confirmed by Zungu to Sportswire.

Sportswire contacted Dladla for comment on the allegations, but he declined, stating that he is not permitted to speak about the matter.

However, President Zungu indicated that it would be impossible for the duo to continue working together.

“He is at our disposal if we need any help from him, but he won’t be part of the technical team until the end of the season,” Zungu previously told this publication.

“In a technical environment, too many cooks can spoil the broth, and it is important to respect that.”

If the allegations are accurate, Dladla’s behaviour would have been highly disruptive to an AmaZulu side currently sitting on 42 points after 26 matches.

Usuthu now need to win their remaining four fixtures to match the 54 points achieved under coach Benni McCarthy in the 2020/21 season, when they finished as runners-up.

Unlike that squad, Zwane’s current team is built around a younger core, with an average age of 24.

Their recent 5–1 victory over Chippa United at Moses Mabhida Stadium marked their biggest win in years—the first time they have scored five goals in a match since thrashing Cape Town City during the 2020/21 campaign under McCarthy at DHL Stadium.

Zwane said the emphatic result was a response to their previous 3–0 defeat against Orlando Pirates.

“The 3–0 loss away to Orlando Pirates was tough. We were really under pressure, and what matters is how you respond after a setback,” he said.

“I think the boys responded very well. They may have been surprised by the starting line-up—playing with a false nine against Chippa. Usually, Pule Ekstein plays as the main striker.

“Unfortunately, Pule was not available due to an ankle injury, so we had to find a solution within the squad—someone who could play as a false nine while still giving us the right energy, especially when pressing and defending.”

AmaZulu will next host city rivals Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 6 May, with Dladla expected to remain sidelined from team activities.