Brandon Truter lifts lid on drinking culture allegations at AmaZulu

Now at Sekhukhune United, the 46-year-old mentor was asked on Saturday night following his side’s 2-0 defeat to the Durban outfit whether he could validate statements made by spokesperson Phumlani Dube, who was fired in November last year.

Dube called a press conference several days ago and alleged alcohol abuse was a common theme at Usuthu, although club president Sandile Zungu’s response was that the former head of communications was bitter over his dismissal – prompted by a charge of assault against a female colleague, though he was later cleared. 

But Truter, who only spent seven months at AmaZulu, affirmed the accusations and pointed to play power as a huge factor. 

“Yes, it’s true. I am not going to lie for anybody, players came to training drunk and I had to deal with it at one stage, so whoever said it [Dube] is right,” said the coach as he lifted the lift on the scandal. 

“AmaZulu are capable of this result. They proved it against Kaizer Chiefs with the 4-0 in January. I think it’s their mindset and attitude. There are some rotten individuals in there, within that squad – I have first hand experience. At halftime it gets heated in that dressing room, but I wish coach Cobra [Ayanda Dlamini] well.” 

In his own separate post-match press conference at Moses Mabhida, the current Usuthu coach defended his players, as expected. 

“People who are saying these things are bitter. Do you think these players would have played like this if they were drinking during the week or the night before? I am the coach right now, and if these things are being said I have to protect my players because I need them – they can’t speak for themselves.” Dlamini fired back. 

“The things being said can destroy their careers. Some people might say they will never hire players from AmaZulu ever again. There are still youngsters here who could still go overseas, and if people are saying this…what does it do to their image? If you have a problem with the team, address it respectfully. If you say they are drunkards, maybe we were getting drunk with you while you were here.”