Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Sun City, South Africa
FORMER Chicken Inn coach Joe Antipas and his entire technical team will be in charge of AmaZulu in South Africa’s Absa Premiership.
AmaZulu, who were campaigning in the National First Division (NFD), bought Thanda Royal Zulu’s franchise for the right to play in the Premiership.
Thanda Royal Zulu had won automatic promotion into the topflight by clinching the NFD league with 62 points under coach Roger Sikhakhane, while AmaZulu could only manage a fifth place finish with 47 points.
An agreement was reached between the two sides for AmaZulu to buy the franchise for an undisclosed amount, although unconfirmed reports put the figure at R52 million.
The acquisition took long to be approved by the Premier Soccer League as it wanted some financial documents which included a sound bank balance, which the Durban-based side provided.
AmaZulu have confirmed that they still have confidence in Antipas, who guided the Gamecocks to their maiden league title in 2015.
The club said Antipas and his entire technical team would be in charge of their Premiership campaign.
“Joey Antipas and his technical team will remain in charge of AmaZulu FC,” Usuthu’s media officer Brilliant Nhlanhla Makhathini told Chronicle Sport.
Antipas is assisted by his trusted lieutenant and fellow countryman Prince Matore, goalkeepers’ coach Davies Phiri with physio Karel De Toit completing Usuthu’s technical bench.
Antipas has already started his preparations for the obviously tougher assignment and this weekend signed Togolese centre-back Sadat Ouro-Akoriko, who makes a return to the club following his transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Faisaly two seasons ago.
According to the club’s website, Usuthu have also roped in the Thanda Royal Zulu trio of goalkeeper Siyabonga Mbatha, who was the AmaBhubesi captain, Sduduzo Dlamini and Jabulani Ncobeni as well as Siyethemba Mnguni from Mbombela United.
“What I’ve noticed about Sdu and JB (Ncobeni) is that they enjoy their training, and they show professionalism like all the players do. We hope they can give as that extra cutting edge in midfield. We are obviously glad to finally have Mnguni from Mbombela. Siyabonga did very well with Thanda last season, he was one of the reasons they won the league. In the first half of the season, they didn’t concede much, which you can credit him and his defence,” Antipas told the club’s website.
Despite his charges scoring 52 goals, the same as Thanda Royal Zulu last season, Antipas’ defence was leaky and conceded an incredible 37 goals.
Online Reporter