The talented 21-year-old winger only joined Usuthu at the start of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season from JDR Stars.

But such was his influence that the young player scooped the Most Improved Player award, the Best Newcomer trophy, the Best Forward and Player of the Season accolades.

In his short time with the club, Maqokolo netted six goals and four assists in 31 appearances across all competitions as AmaZulu finished in fourth place on the league standings.

Other award winners include: Young Player of the Season: Siphamandla Zikhali, Most Consistent Player: Riaan Hanamub, Best Midfielder: Siyanda Hlangabeza, Best Defender: Taariq Fielies and Best Goalkeeper: Darren Johnson.

Club President Sandile Zungu said at the event: “Our fourth position in the Betway Premiership was no accident. It was the reward for discipline, sacrifice, resilience and an unwavering commitment to our shared vision. There were moments of adversity, injuries to key personnel and difficult fixtures that tested our resolve, yet this group continued to rise to every challenge", as reported by iDiski Times.

"Across six KwaZulu-Natal derbies, we collected four victories, one draw and just one defeat—13 points from a possible 18. We proudly retained our status as Izingqwele Zase KZN, a title that carries immense significance for this football club and its supporters.

"Statistics often tell an interesting story. Had we maintained that level of consistency throughout the entire campaign, we would have finished on approximately 65 league points. That is no longer merely an observation—it is now our benchmark.

"As we look ahead to the 2026/27 season, our ambitions remain clear. We want AmaZulu Football Club to make Top Four finishes the standard rather than the exception and challenge for every competition on offer."

Full list of AmaZulu award winners:

Most Improved Player: Athini Maqokolo
Best Newcomer: Athini Maqokolo
Young Player of the Season: Siphamandla Zikhali
Most Consistent Player: Riaan Hanamub
Most Disciplined Player: Riaan Hanamub
Leadership Award: Hendrick Ekstein
Unsung Hero Award, "Usuthu Award": Richard Ofori
Biggest Moment / Match Winner: Hendrick Ekstein
Best Forward: Athini Maqokolo
Best Midfielder: Siyanda Hlangabeza
Best Defender: Taariq Fielies
Best Goalkeeper: Darren Johnson
Goal Saver Award: Olwethu Mzimela
Coach’s Award: Riaan Hanamub
President’s Award: Riaan Hanamub
Golden Boot: Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya
Players’ Player: Hendrick Ekstein
Player of the Season: Athini Maqokolo
Supporter Recognition Award: Bhekifa Khanyile
Supporter Excellence Award: Ndumiso "Dlamini" Zondi
Award for Dedicated Service (Admin): Lihle Dlamini & Brilliant Mkhathini

Young winger Athini Maqokolo the big winner at AmaZulu awards function