AmaZulu unveil new logo as Zungu celebrates milestone ownership

AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu has reflected on his five-year journey as owner of the KwaZulu-Natal club, describing it as a period of growth, discovery, and renewed ambition for Usuthu.

The businessman spoke during a rebranding event at Princess Magogo Stadium on Friday, where AmaZulu unveiled a refreshed club logo — part of a broader modernization effort led by the Zungu family.

In a “glitched-out” ceremony attended by supporters, players, and partners, the new emblem was revealed to symbolize both continuity and innovation. 

For Zungu, the change marks more than a visual upgrade — it signals a new era for one of South Africa’s oldest football brands.

“Every brand needs a refresher from time to time,” Zungu explained. 

“If you look at the logos of household brands either in the consumer or telecommunications space, you will see that over time they have changed — whether it’s fonts or colours — and it’s often informed by market research.”

Since acquiring AmaZulu in 2020, Zungu has overseen one of the most eventful chapters in the club’s history. 

From CAF Champions League qualification to major squad rebuilds, his tenure has been filled with lessons and surprises.

“The last five years have been truly exciting for me,” he said. “I was really pleasantly surprised by the management of the league, so the chairman deserves huge compliments for leading this product through the most difficult times.”

But Zungu also acknowledged the emotional challenges that come with club ownership, particularly when officiating errors or poor results affect the team’s progress.

“On the negative side, I did not know how painful it is to be on the losing side or to drop points because of bad officiating,” he admitted.

“If fans are so passionate and sometimes hurt players when they are cheated, you can imagine how much anger we experience as club bosses without consequences for the culprits. Some owners just decide to leave the game entirely.”

Despite those frustrations, AmaZulu’s current campaign offers reasons to be optimistic. Under Arthur Zwane, the Durban-based side sit seventh in the Betway Premiership, just three points off third-placed Orlando Pirates, despite early cup exits.

For Zungu, the combination of a new logo, stable leadership, and a competitive squad represents a club on the rise.

His focus now is on building a sustainable football identity — one rooted in heritage but shaped for modern audiences.

“The PSL has been nothing short of surprises for me,” Zungu reflected. 

“But through it all, the love for this club and this league has only grown stronger.”