Kaizer Chiefs’ young talent Manqoba Ozoemena is being eyed by AmaZulu FC, as former Amakhosi coach Arthur Zwane looks to reunite with the versatile player he once mentored at Naturena.
With Kaizer Chiefs currently deep into their pre-season preparations in the Netherlands, five DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) players joined the senior squad for the European tour. Among them, 20-year-old Ozoemena has stood out, attracting serious attention from AmaZulu’s technical team.
Zwane keen to reunite with former protégé
Sources close to both clubs have confirmed that AmaZulu have officially expressed interest in securing Ozoemena’s services for the upcoming season. Head coach Arthur Zwane, who previously worked with the player at Chiefs, has reportedly endorsed the move.
“It’s believed that the AmaZulu FC technical team has proposed to management about Manqoba (Ozoemena). Coach Arthur (Zwane) knows him very well and he believes that the player can help the team this season as they compete in the MTN8 and the other tournaments as well,” said a source familiar with the negotiations.
Zwane’s belief in Ozoemena’s ability seems to be a key driver behind AmaZulu’s pursuit, with the coach confident the youngster can contribute immediately in multiple competitions.
Usuthu eye broader squad reinforcements
AmaZulu’s interest in Ozoemena forms part of a wider recruitment strategy ahead of the 2025/2026 season. Another insider revealed that Usuthu have already signed several players and remain active in the market.
“At the moment there are about three or four players already believed to have been signed. And the club is still looking at reinforcing the squad and that’s why they have enquired about Manqoba Ozoemena,” the source revealed.
This proactive transfer approach highlights AmaZulu’s ambitions under Zwane. With a clear focus on building a squad capable of challenging across all fronts.
Chiefs starlet’s future hangs in the balance
Ozoemena, a Soweto-born right-sided dynamo who can slot in at both right-back and right wing. And has trained with the Amakhosi first team since last season. He travelled with the senior squad to the Netherlands. Hoping to convince new head coach Nasreddine Nabi of his readiness for top-flight football.
Kaizer Chiefs fans will now wait anxiously to see if the club holds on to one of their brightest academy graduates. Or if Ozoemena makes the switch to KwaZulu-Natal to reunite with Zwane at AmaZulu.
Will AmaZulu be a good place for the Kaizer Chiefs young star?
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