AmaZulu announce a strategic partnership with Spanish club Levante UD to strengthen their youth academy structures.
AmaZulu FC have announced a new partnership with Spanish La Liga side Levante UD (2.65). The agreement focuses on developing young players through international expertise and shared training methodology.
The Announcement And Its Purpose
AmaZulu revealed the partnership during a press briefing at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The agreement forms part of the club’s broader Vision 2032 strategic plan. Youth technical director Russel Thompson outlined several key benefits expected from the collaboration.
“First is the pathways that we are able to create for the players,” Thompson said.
He also highlighted the value of knowledge sharing between the two organisations: “It’s about the knowledge sharing, the upskilling and information sharing… with a LaLiga club,” he added.
AmaZulu’s Existing Youth Structure
AmaZulu currently boasts the only complete youth development structure in KwaZulu-Natal. That system spans five age divisions, from under-13 through to under-21 level. Twelve products of that academy have already been registered with the senior team.
Siphesihle Maduna, Siyanda Hlangabeza and goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela all progressed through the pathway. Thompson believes the Levante partnership will further strengthen an already strong foundation.
“We’ve already got a fully functioning development [structure]… I think we lead the train in KZN,” he said.
Levante’s Presence In Durban
A Levante delegation, led by international training head Daniel Pastor, travelled to Durban this week. Sports department representative Alejandro Losa also formed part of that visiting group. Partner organisation ISAM360, led by chief executive Marco Maisano, joined the delegation as well.
The group spent the week reviewing AmaZulu’s facilities and attending training sessions. They also observed two matches specifically arranged for player analysis and talent identification. The stay concluded with an institutional day presenting the project to local sponsors and media.
A Vision Extending Beyond Football
AmaZulu chief executive Sinenjabulo Zungu-Ntuli described the deal as months in the making: “It’s been a couple of months we’ve been working on this,” Zungu-Ntuli said.
She explained the partnership’s connection to the club’s centenary ambitions in 2032: “By the time AmaZulu reaches its centenary, our ambition is for the majority of our squad to be home grown talent,” she added.
Club president Sandile Zungu framed the deal in terms of long-term player development and financial return. He described wanting players developed to a standard matching lucrative overseas transfer value.
“We think he’s fit for a R12 million transfer fee,” Zungu said, describing the club’s ambition.
The partnership, he explained, ultimately serves both sporting and commercial goals for the growing Durban club.
