The Durban-based club have begun a rebuild process, releasing 17 players whilst recruiting and promoting younger players, which has brought the team's average age down to just over 24 years from 30 last season.

Usuthu recently participated in the KZN Premier's Cup, losing 3-2 in the semi-finals to newly promoted Betway Premiership side Durban City after having won their first match against rivals Golden Arrows.

New Zimbabwean striker Thando Ngwenya impressed with a brace against Arrows, with defender Keagan Allan, goalkeeper Darren Johnson and forward Ryan Moon all making their debuts in the KZN tournament.

Club chairman Sandile Zungu spoke to SABC Sports about the club's new direction and ambition for the upcoming season and for the province.

"The quality of our players, who are younger, hungry, if not hungrier, and a lot of players have been promoted from the junior ranks, we think it's the kind of association that the Premier is looking for," he added.

"That we grow our own team and develop our own talent, and showcase them, and we think it's going to be a great season for AmaZulu Football Club."

Head coach Arthur "10111" Zwane also told the Sowetan that he is expecting a tough encounter against their most recent "hoodoo team" in their MTN8 quarterfinal clash.

"Difficult one, Stellenbosch are not an easy team to play against," said Zwane.

"We are playing in Cape Town. They know the conditions where they are based. So, for us, it will be the case of adapting there and dealing with everything that comes our way.

"Mentally and physically, the guys are ready, and they know the importance of us going into the next round," concluded the former Kaizer Chiefs coach.

Stellenbosch

The Western Cape side were runners up in last season's MTN8 and are unbeaten against Amazulu in their last five matches in all competitions, including an extra-time win in the 2024/25 Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16.

Stellies are the only representative from the Western Cape in the top-flight division following Cape Town City's relegation and have targeted more silverware for the 2025/26.

"I think over the past few seasons, I think we were basically carrying Cape Town football," said veteran goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt at the MTN8 launch.

"Last season we won a trophy (Carling Knockout Cup), this season we want to continue with that, winning trophies. Last season we made it to the semi-final of CAF, final of top 8, and third in the league. Now it's the next hurdle to hopefully win the League and win another trophy."

The Maroons recently lost three key players after defender Ismael Toure joined UAE's FC Baniyas, midfielder Sihle Nduli moved to Orlando Pirates and Fawaaz Basadien was signed by Mamelodi Sundowns.

Furthermore, young prospect Tylon Smith who won the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season award and the Under-20 AFCON Player of the Tournament also moved to Championship side Queen's Park Rangers.

"I think it's the model of the club, we're always going to lose our quality players, but we always replace well," added the 38-year-old to reporters.

The club has signed Belgian defender Henri Stanic, centre-back Siviwe Nkwali from Cape Town Spurs and last season's Motsepe Foundation Championship top scorer Muzomuhle Khanyi from Hungry Lions.

"Yeah, Amazulu, it's going to be a tough match. I think they're a good team. They released a couple of players over the off-season, I think it's more than 15 if I'm not mistaken," added Langeveldt ahead of the cup fixture.

"So, they're in a re-building phase, hopefully we can use that advantage to our advantage."

The two teams will face off at the DHL Stadium on Sunday, kick off is at 15h00.

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker targets MTN8 second-leg victory over Orlando Pirates