AMAZULU FC, under the guidance of the Zungu family, will have to forge a new path for the first time in 40 years, without their headline sponsor Spar ahead of what is expected to be a challenging 2024/25 season.
Club president Sandile Zungu displayed signs of a leader undeterred by new developments as he announced their divorce with the retail giant and Grindrod, their sleeve sponsor of four years.
“There has been a couple of rumours about the sponsorship of Spar. Spar has been a critical part of AmaZulu for four decades,” he said.
“It’s probably the longest run as a sponsor of a Premiership team or a top-flight team in this country. Our relationship with Spar came to an end at the end of last season.
“For that, we owe them a great deal of gratitude for having associated with the team and their contribution. Their financial contribution went a long way in helping this brand to run. But all great things come to an end.
“The same goes with Grindrod, who were our sleeve sponsor. Our relationship came to an end last season. We won’t be replacing them.”
However, this publication has discovered that Spar has adopted a different type of advertising strategy that has seen them cut their endorsement of AmaZulu short.
“Spar said it’s a strategic move. They’re looking at sponsorship at a smaller scale, not at a larger scale anymore,” the club confirmed to Independent Newspapers.
“The relationship between the club and Spar is healthy, it’s just that they’re no longer the headline sponsor.”
Usuthu and Spar had stood the test of time and had been at each other’s side during some of the most difficult periods in the club’s history, including three relegations.
“We’re confident you’ll find the upcoming sponsorship announcement exciting,” Zungu said.
“Look forward to the end-of-month press conference,” he continued, “where we’ll reveal our exciting new signings in style. Several players have already joined the team camp in Gauteng, and the technical team reports everything is on track.”
AmaZulu finished 11th in the Premiership last season, three points from a top-eight place, and are eager to make big strides in the upcoming season, according to Zungu.
It seems a while ago now that Usuthu jetted off into Caf Champions League action before playing in the 2022 MTN8 final.
Usuthu have set their sights on reclaiming a spot in the top four of the league standings and will need an injection of financial capability from the incoming sponsors to have any chance of achieving their goals.
Before their first official game of the season, Usuthu will strut their stuff and possibly new signings in the Premier’s Cup on Saturday and Sunday.