AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane welcomes Durban City PSL promotion as boost for KwaZulu-Natal soccer

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane has welcomed the imminent promotion of Durban City to the Premiership, hailing it as a positive development for KwaZulu-Natal football.

City’s top-flight return is all but confirmed after the Premier Soccer League’s Disciplinary Committee (PSL DC) dismissed a protest from JDR Stars, who alleged that Durban City improperly registered midfielder Saziso Magawana. 

While another protest – this time from Cape Town Spurs – is still pending, the result that crowned Durban City as Motsepe Foundation Championship winners and relegated Spurs has already set the stage for their promotion.

Zwane, speaking in the wake of City’s successful campaign, expressed satisfaction not only with their achievement, but also with the working relationship shared between the two KwaZulu-Natal clubs.

“I’ve already congratulated coach Simo... They’ve done tremendously well,” Zwane said.

“We’ve played a lot of practice matches with them, and we’ve helped each other throughout the season in terms of preparation.”

“There were times when we weren’t playing for weeks, and you can imagine if we didn’t have competitive teams to keep us sharp.

“We are very happy for them, we’re happy for the province, and we will see where this relationship with them goes.”

AmaZulu’s connection to the newly promoted side runs deeper than practice matches. 

Three of Zwane’s players – goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela, defender Siyanda Hlangabeza and striker Senzo Ndlovu – spent the season on loan at City, and played a part in the club’s championship success.

The strong ties between the two outfits reflect a collaborative spirit in the province, particularly at a time when KwaZulu-Natal looks to maintain its representation in the top tier. 

With Richards Bay already confirmed and Golden Arrows nearby, and with AmaZulu safe as well, City’s pending promotion means the province could once again boast four clubs in the Premiership next season.

That would soften the blow of losing Royal AM, whose expulsion from the league earlier this campaign left a gap in the regional football landscape.

Durban City’s rise has come after a consistent season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship under the guidance of coach Simo Dladla. 

The club demonstrated tactical cohesion and a solid defensive structure, edging out rivals in a tightly contested title race.

While the protest from Cape Town Spurs could still influence the final outcome, all indications suggest that Durban City will be playing Premiership football in the 2025/26 season.

Zwane’s remarks underline a broader optimism in KwaZulu-Natal as the region looks to re-establish itself as a competitive football hub. 

For AmaZulu, the return of a local rival next season could mean more than just added fixtures – it’s a sign of provincial growth, and a chance to elevate the game across the region.