By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
AmaZulu FC has appointed Vusumuzi Vilakazi as the head coach of their DStv Diski Challenge team for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Vilakazi has been without a club after he left Richards Bay after saving them from relegation last season.
“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Vusimuzi Vilakazi as our new Diski Team Head Coach for the 2024/25 season,” the club statement read.
“Kanu as he is affectionately known, joins us with a wealth of experience, having previously excelled at both the DDC level and Premiership level.
“We are confident that his expertise and vision will greatly benefit our team. We extend our best wishes to Vusimuzi as he embarks on this new journey with us.”
The 41-year-old who recently secured his CAF B License spent five years with Golden Arrows reserve team before moving up to the first team in 2020, initially as a assistant coach before his spell as head coach.
Meanwhile Chippa United have announced the signing of Orlando Pirates winger Azola Matrose.
Matrose joined Pirates at the beginning of the 2022/23 season after impressing during his breakout season with the Chippa in 2021/22. But he was initially loaned back to Chippa in the first season, as he was still finishing school.
He returned to Pirates in the last campaign, but was troubled by an injury that kept him out of the team for a long time and only featured for Pirates DDC team.
On Thursday, the Chilli Boys confirmed his return to Gqeberha on a permanent transfer, as they continue to focus on local talent.
“Chippa United FC is thrilled to announce the return of Azola Matrose, who has signed a three-year contract with a two-year option,” club chairman Chippa Mpengesi stated.
Elsewhere Sekhukhune United have confirmed the appointment of Lehlohonolo Seema as head coach with a new technical team ahead of the new season.
Sekhukhune lost the game 1-0 at home, with CT City booking a semi-final spot against Orlando Pirates, set to be played over two legs.
United was led by MacDonald Makhubedu in the MTN8 quarter-final clash with Cape Town City, losing 1-0 which saw their road in the Wafa Wafa Cup coming to an end.
Seema and Kaiteno Tembo are returning to the club for a second time. They both previously held the position of head coach, but their first stints ended with their dismissals.
Furthermore the 2024/25 Betway Premiership fixtures have officially been released by the Premier Soccer League.
The league will kick-off on the weekend of 14 and 15 September 2024. The opening day on Saturday, 14 September, will feature six matches, with an additional two fixtures scheduled for Sunday, 15 September.
Mamelodi Sundowns start the campaign with the Tshwane Derby against SuperSport United at Loftus Versveld, while Royal AM hosts Cape Town City at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
Orlando Pirates host Chippa United at Orlando Stadium, while the Toyota Stadium, the return of top-flight football for Bloemfontein sees Marumo Gallants host Kaizer Chiefs.
PSL Opening Fixtures are as follows:
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs SuperSport United (15:00) – Loftus Versfeld Stadium
- Royal AM vs Cape Town City (15:00) – Harry Gwala Stadium
- Orlando Pirates vs Chippa United (17:30) – Orlando Stadium
- Marumo Gallants vs Kaizer Chiefs (17:30) – Toyota Stadium
- Polokwane City vs AmaZulu (20:00) – Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
- Sekhukhune United vs Magesi FC (20:00) – New Peter Mokaba Stadium
Sunday:
- Richards Bay FC vs TS Galaxy (15:00) – King Zwelithini Stadium
- Stellenbosch vs Golden Arrows (17:30) – Danie Craven Stadium.