AmaZulu retain key midfield duo to anchor 2025/26 campaign

The move underlines the club's ambition to build continuity and stability within their core squad under head coach Arthur Zwane.

With both players' contracts set to expire on 30 June, AmaZulu acted swiftly to secure their services, ensuring that the team retains a strong veteran spine heading into the new campaign," FarPost wrote.

The Durban-based outfit will be looking to build on their sixth-place finish last season, a result that earned them a spot in the prestigious MTN8 competition.

Zwane, who oversaw a notable late-season surge in form, will count on the experience and composure of Zungu and Ekstein as he aims to elevate Usuthu's standing in the league.

Their retention signals the club's confidence in its current trajectory and highlights the importance of squad familiarity in achieving long-term success.

Zungu, who returned to South African football in December 2024 after a stint with Mamelodi Sundowns, made an immediate impact. The former Amiens SC midfielder quickly cemented his place in the starting XI, adding steel and tactical intelligence to the heart of the midfield.

In just 17 appearances across all competitions, he scored once-memorably on debut-and proved instrumental in AmaZulu's balanced play.

On the other hand, Ekstein's longevity at the club continues to pay dividends. Since arriving in Durban from Azerbaijani side Sabail FK in 2021, the creative midfielder has quietly become one of Usuthu's most dependable assets.

Last season, he featured in 25 matches, contributing three goals and two assists. His total contribution now stands at 81 matches, seven goals, and five assists-an impressive return that underscores his influence on and off the field.

With both players staying on, AmaZulu have preserved an experienced midfield engine room that will be vital as they aim to not just compete, but contend, in all domestic competitions in 2025/26.