Sandile Zungu assures AmaZulu financial stability

SABC Sport reported recently that Moroka Swallows is up for sale after the club faced financial difficulties having also released their key players in December due to what the club deemed an “illegal strike” over non-payment of salaries.

Zungu, speaking to Victor Molefe on The Prime Sports Show on Ukhozi FM on Thursday night, said it’s wise to keep tabs on what’s happening within the club so that people can be held accountable when funds are misappropriated.

“As the president of the club I want anything that may have financial implications to Usuthu to be run past me. I do that not because I want to micromanage people, but because the success or failure of Usuthu depends on how we handle our finances," Zungu said.

"If you look at clubs like Swallows that found themselves with financial challenges in the middle of the season, it's not only Swallows but I don't want to talk about the others. 

“Usually, the problems they face are due to financial difficulties, then it puts the owners of the club in disgrace. But you also have to ask yourself, if they are embarrassed by this, where were they when the funds were being mishandled?

"So, as the president of Usuthu, I want everyone in the club to be accountable for our finances. I need to know everything, from player salaries, how much we sign the players for, how much other clubs pay to buy our players, etc."

Following the release of defender Veluyeke Zulu, midfielder George Maluleka, as well as striker Augustine Kwem, Usuthu this week signed 28-year-old striker Senzo 'Mbhobho' Ndlovu from ABC Motsepe side, Sinenkani FC. 

Although Zungu doesn't want to discriminate against other provinces, he explicitly stated their goal is to discover more talent in the local KwaZulu-Natal region.

"We don't want to discriminate against other provinces, but we will really look into prioritising scouting in KZN so we can resolve our issues,” he added.

With Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Veli Mothwa and Abbubaker Mobara’s contracts ending, Zungu also announced they will host a press conference next week to wrap up their season, while announcing changes they will be making in the club.