AmaZulu FC is gearing up for the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season with a new addition to their squad.
The club has signed Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro from Mamelodi Sundowns on a season-long loan.
This move is part of their strategy to enhance their attacking options as they look to improve on their 11th-place finish from last season.
To make room for new talent, AmaZulu recently parted ways with several first-team players.
George Maluleka, Augustine Kwem, Veluyeke Zulu, and Victor Letsoalo have all left the team, with Letsoalo joining TS Galaxy.
Kwem’s departure was particularly surprising given that he ended the previous season as the club’s top scorer, netting eight goals in 28 games.
Ighodaro’s New Opportunity
Etiosa Ighodaro joins AmaZulu after a stint with SuperSport, where he played 35 matches and scored eight goals.
This will be Ighodaro’s fourth consecutive loan move since joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021 from Abuja College.
His previous loan spells have included teams like the University of Pretoria, Chippa United, and SuperSport United.
What to Expect
According to sources, AmaZulu’s decision to bring in Ighodaro is aimed at filling the void left by the departing players.
“AmaZulu have reached an agreement to sign Ighodaro on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns for the upcoming season.
I think Ighodaro is yet to make it onto the plans of Sundowns; hence, he’s been going out on loan,” the source mentioned.
They believe that if Ighodaro stays injury-free, he could be a valuable asset to the team.
In another move, AmaZulu has also secured Luvuyo Phewa on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Phewa was on loan at Cape Town Spurs last season but will now bring his skills to AmaZulu, offering additional depth to the squad.