AmaZulu closing in on next coaching appointment

Usuthu reshuffled their management and technical team a fortnight ago as part of efforts to get the club back on track, with the changes including the departure of former coach Romain Folz, interim coach Ayanda Dlamini, and members of the management.

A number of names have been linked with the vacant positions at the KwaZulu-Natal side, including some high-profile international coaches.

SABC Sport has learnt that coach Luc Eymael is a frontrunner for the lead position, while experienced Congolese tactician Florent Ibenge's name has also done the rounds, with local options Mandla Ncikazi and Gavin Hunt also on the shortlist.

Manqoba Mngqithi was also previously touted for the job, but his agent recently confirmed to SABC Sport that the Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach's contract with the DStv Premiership champions only ends in June next year.

According to insiders, AmaZulu expect to have secured their new coach next week, with former Bafana Bafana defender Bongani Khumalo also believed to be leading the race for the sporting director position. 

The former Tottenham Hotspur and SuperSport United centre-back is said to have held talks with the club last week, with a deal expected to be concluded in the coming days, should both parties reach an agreement.

Usuthu president Sandile Zungu, during the late Clive Barker's funeral on Thursday, said the team will start pre-season next week, while hinting that the impending changes will make supporters happy.

"The teams will return next week. I can guarantee you that people will be happy when we announce the new coach," Zungu told the media at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.