
AmaZulu FC technical team members. Photo credit: Usuthu
In a surprise move that has sent ripples through the Betway Premiership, AmaZulu FC have confirmed that Director of Football Pedro Dias and assistant coach Simo Dladla will vacate their roles at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Despite the club’s stellar run under head coach Arthur Zwane, the KZN giants have opted not to renew the contracts of the two technical heavyweights as part of a “broader strategic restructuring.”
𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗕 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: On the departure of Pedro Dias and Simo Dladla. FULL STORY: https://t.co/HAOlSVVxix pic.twitter.com/oRFAUx5T7r
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) March 27, 2026
The announcement on Friday comes at a time when Usuthu are flying high. Currently sitting third on the log with 37 points from 22 matches, AmaZulu are on the verge of qualifying for CAF inter-club competitions. However, President Sandile Zungu appears focused on a long-term overhaul of the football department.
In a formal statement, the club revealed that the role of Director of Football—held by Dias since October 2023—will be completely scrapped in favour of an “integrated football management structure.”
Simo Dladla, who joined the club at the start of the current campaign to assist Zwane, will also depart. Dladla arrived with high pedigree, having previously guided Durban City to the ABC Motsepe Championship title and promotion.
“Mr Dladla has made a positive contribution within the Arthur Zwane-led technical team,” the club stated, noting that his exit is part of a move to “streamline operations and reinforce a high-performance environment.”
Zungu’s Final Word
AmaZulu President Sandile Zungu expressed his gratitude to the departing pair, emphasising that the decision was made with the club’s future ambitions in mind.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to both Mr Dias and Mr Dladla for their professionalism, dedication, and meaningful contributions,” said Zungu. “Their service has been valued, and they leave with the Club’s full respect and gratitude.”
While the duo will remain in their posts until the conclusion of the season, the hunt for a new technical structure to support Arthur Zwane into the 2026/27 campaign is now officially underway.