Drama at AmaZulu: death threats, corruption and relegation 

It has been a dramatic week for Durban based Premier Soccer League (PSL) side AmaZulu FC. 

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The relegation threatened Usuthu have had to deal with allegations of corruption and death threats this week, and it is only Thursday.

The week started with AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu having to release a statement to distance himself from a School Nutrition Programme scandal in KwaZulu-Natal. 

After that, Zungu addressed the team’s precarious log standing in the DStv Premiership.

Zungu also dropped a bombshell on his relationship with AmaZulu director, Manzini Zungu who many thought was his blood brother.  

And on Wednesday afternoon, former Usuthu staffer, Phumlani Dube alleged he had received death threats.

1. Sandile Zungu denies alleged corruption, outs ‘brother’ as culprit

Zungu had been alleged to have been awarded a multi-million rands tender by the KZN department of education. 

But in a media statement sent out to various newsrooms across the country, Zungu distanced himself from the scandal which has left millions of school children without a meal. 

“My name has been mentioned in various social and public discussions (including a debate in the legislature),” wrote Zungu in the statement. 

“It is pertaining to the National Schools Nutrition Programme in KwaZulu-Natal. 

“I wish to [lace on record that Sandile Zungu is not involved in the programme in KwaZulu-Natala (or anywhere else for that matter.)

“I have never been, and never will be. Similarly, none of the organisations that I am associated with are involved in the aforementioned programme.

“Simply put, I have zero interest in the National Schools Nutrition Programme in KwaZulu-Natal.” 

2. Sandile Zungu clarifies relationship with fired Manzini Zungu

The AmaZulu president stated on Ukhozi FM that Manzini Zungu, who was the club’s director had left the durban side. 

He also revealed that while they have the same surname, they were not related. There was a suggestion that Manzini was the one involved in the school’s food programme scandal. 

3. Former AmaZulu media officer gets death threats

The club’s former media officer Phumlani Dube called a special media conference in Durban on Wednesday afternoon. 

“I would like to invite you to a press conference to explain the real reasons behind my departure from AmaZulu FC.

“ I’d like people to know the real story, in case something happens to me,” said the invite. 

When a colleague complained of the short notice, Dube said it was because he had received the death threats the previous day. 

Phakaaathi understands that Dube was fired by AmaZulu after a heated altercation that became physical with a female colleague. 

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4. Relegation woes hit AmaZulu yet again

Sandile Zungu admitted, as reported by iDiski Times, that AmaZulu were fighting relegation, something he said he had never thought could cross his mind. 

Usuthu are in 12th position with 29 points after 26 games. They are just four points above 16th placed Maritzburg United.