The organizers of the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Legacy Cup have expressed their disappointment after AmaZulu withdrew from participating in the pre-season tournament.
AmaZulu, a founding member of the cup, was initially scheduled to compete in the event, which was established by their previous general manager – Lunga Sokhela – in 2017.
AmaZulu communicated their decision to the organizers on Monday, citing dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions at the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Stadium during the KZN Premier’s Cup last month.
The club also questioned the rationale behind holding the event outside of Durban, considering the potential for player injuries and the proximity of the Betway Premiership.
AmaZulu stated: “The club supports the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup. Unfortunately, due to our first match scheduled for the 14th of September away in Polokwane and poor field conditions (the team suffered plenty of muscular injuries the last time we played) in Ulundi, the club has requested to withdraw. We were open to participate if the field was either Princess Magogo and/or King Zwelithini Stadium. It is for these reasons the club has taken this decision. We will return next year.”
Despite these concerns, organizers are disheartened by AmaZulu’s withdrawal due to their close ties with the Buthelezi family. The tournament was created to honor the late struggle icon Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the former leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), who passed away last year.
With AmaZulu’s absence, the organizers are left with Richards Bay, Royal AM, and the Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs. They are actively working to secure a fourth team, with Durban City, Milford, or Golden Arrows as potential options.
Nsingizini Hotspurs was easily included in the tournament as they were still in Durban after playing against Stellenbosch in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds, with both games held at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium this past two weekends.
The Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup, first won by Bloemfontein Celtic in 2017, has seen subsequent victories by Mamelodi Sundowns (2018) and AmaZulu (2022). It did not take place in 2019 for unknown reasons and was also not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As usual, the tournament will be preceded by a series of events, including a gala dinner. Tickets will be sold at R40.
A legends game featuring Kaizer Chiefs and KZN Legends will take place on the day, with participating Chiefs legends including Derrick Spencer, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Collins Mbesuma, David Radebe, Jabu Mahlangu, Thuso Phala, and others.
Fixtures, 7 September 2024:
First semi-final: Richards Bay vs Royal AM (9:00)
Second semi-final: Nsingizini vs (new team to be announced, 11:00)
Legends game: Kaizer Chiefs vs KZN Legends (13:00)
Final: Winner of semifinal 1 vs winner of semifinal 2 (3:00)
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