AmaZulu recall four ‘bad boys’

AMAZULU have recalled four of the five players they suspended players for their clash against Kaizer Chiefs tomorrow at FNB Stadium.

Newly-installed interim coach Ayanda Dlamini has decided to recall the four.

Last month, Usuthu placed on Michael Morton, Thembela Sikhakhane, Jabulani Ncobeni, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Nhlanhla Vilakazi on “special leave”.

They five were suspended for bringing negativity to the camp.

“The suspended players are back. The only player that is still suspended is Majoro. Ncobeni, Sikhakhane and Vilakazi were all at training. I don’t know what happened with Morton because he was also supposed to be back at training today but didn’t pitch up,” a source said.

Usuthu are at the foot of the table with 20 points after 23 games. At the start of the week, they put their coach Jozef Vukusic on special leave. Dlamini has taken over the coaching reins on an interim basis. He will be assisted by veteran goalkeeper Moeneeb Joseph.

Club media officer Brilliant Mkhathini confirmed the return of four players.

“Yes, it is true that Sikhakhane, Ncobeni, Vilakazi and Morton are back with the first team. Majoro is still not back but I’ll have to get more information from the management regarding his status,” Mkhathini said.

Team Qedi Dlamini said the technical team is responsible for the player selection.

“The coaches are the ones that recommended that these players train on their own and we granted them that permission. They also came back to us and asked that four of the players come back and train with the first team. We also granted them that.

“I can confirm that they are in contention for selection against Kaizer Chiefs. The coach will decide if they will go with the team or not. Remember, we want people that are committed.”

Dlamini has denied looking to hire former Chippa boss Norman Mapeza.

“No, it is not true that Mapeza is coming to us. We are not talking to any coach right now. I think people are speculating because I saw that he is in Durban. We can’t hire someone while we still have a coach. The coach was not fired but is on a special leave. There’s an investigation that is ongoing after the allegations raised by the players.”