Former AmaZulu defender Samkelo Mgwazela appears set to depart Casric Stars following a short-term spell with the club this past season.

Highly rated by coach Benni McCarthy during his time at AmaZulu, Mgwazela was surprisingly deemed surplus to requirements at the end of the 2022/23 season and released on a free transfer. This came after a failed loan attempt to Royal AM in the 2021/22 season due to a disagreement over transfer fees.

Mgwazela then tried his luck at TS Galaxy but was unsuccessful before settling for Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. However, his playing time was limited, with only four appearances for Stars as the team finished 14th in the league.

Mgwazela joined AmaZulu ahead of the 2020/21 season, the first full campaign under new owner Sandile Zungu. Signed alongside experienced defenders like Augustine Mulenga, Luvuyo Memela, and Siphiwe Tshabalala, the young player offered promise.

Benni McCarthy’s arrival in December 2021 saw Mgwazela flourish. The powerful defender formed a strong partnership under the now-Manchester United striker coach. Notably, Mgwazela’s performance was instrumental in AmaZulu’s 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in February 2021, where he successfully contained burly striker Samir Nurkovic. He went on to make 14 league appearances in the second half of the season.

The following season, however, proved disastrous for both McCarthy and Mgwazela. The coach’s demands for reinforcements were reportedly not met, leading to his sacking in March 2022. AmaZulu’s performance never fully recovered. As McCarthy had predicted, the team struggled to replicate their previous success, both domestically due to having qualified for the CAF Champions League campaign.

Mgwazela’s playing time dwindled significantly after McCarthy’s departure, ultimately leading to his release at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Despite his recent struggles, Mgwazela’s talent and young age (24) haven’t gone unnoticed. According to Sportswire, several clubs are interested in signing him, suggesting a potential return to the topflight DStv Premiership could be on the cards next season.