In a tense conclusion to the Betway Premiership campaign, AmaZulu FC secured a hard fought 1-0 victory over coastal rivals Durban City at the Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday, solidifying a fourth-place finish in the league standings.
Although the 2026 Nedbank Cup winners succumbed to a late Nkosikhona Radebe header, they ultimately held onto a top-eight finish, capping off a remarkable season for Kwa-Zulu-Natal-based-teams, the province registered three of its teams in the top eight for the first time in the PSL era.
The atmosphere at Chatsworth Stadium was electric from the opening whistle, with thenhosts eager to snap a ten-game winless streak to end their season on a high note. Durban City surged out of the blocks, effectively swarming the Usuthu midfield and forcing the visitors onto their back foot early on.
However, Usuthu weathered the initial storm by the 20-minute mark, Usuthu had found their rhythm, shifting the momentum with crisp passing that troubled the home team’s defensive line. Athini Maqokolo proved a constant threat, nearly breaking the deadlock before halftime, though both sides ultimately headed into the interval locked at 0-0.
The second half remained a tactical deadlock as both teams struggled to engineer a clinical final touch. The stalemate was finally broken in the 80th minute when a sustained Usuthu offensive push resulted in opener. Riaan Hanamub delivered a precise cross into the box, which was flicked off by Mlondi Mbanjwa and found Radebe, who rose highest to guide a clinical header into the net, silencing the home crowd.
Despite a late surge from Durban City in the closing stages, Usuthu maintained their composure, neutralising the threat to preserve their narrow lead until the final whistle. Reflecting on the campaign’s conclusion, AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane expressed deep gratitude for the collective effort that underpinned his side’s success.
“I would like to thank the players, the supporters, and everyone who was part of the club in helping us achieve our mandate (top four finish) for the season” Zwane said following the final whistle.
Acknowledging the gruelling nature of the 2025/26 campaign, the Usuthu mentor emphasised the importance of the internal and external backing he received.
“It wasn’t an easy season, so I would like to also thank the board for backing me, and our fans for coming to the stadium to support us. We hope to grow from this experience.”
AmaZulu: Ofori, Allan, Fielies, Mthethwa, Hanamub (c), Zikhali (Hlangabeza 86′), Radebe, Bern, Mathloko (Kutumela 77′), Ekstein (Mbanjwa 45′), Maqokolo (Mhlongo 90′)
Durban City: Asare (Keet 38′), Mkhize, Jalai (Gcaba 77′), Ncanana, Tshanini, Jurgens, Mahlangu, Nodada, Sifumba (Domingo 67′), Poggenpoel, Lwamba)