Is AmaZulu the PSL’s Dark Horse?
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya of AmaZulu FC celebrates goal during the Betway Premiership match. Photo: Gallo Images.
Recent history says that the Betway Premiership is likely to be contested by Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates, with the Buccaneers having won it last season.
But with the 2026/27 campaign taking shape, is it really so far-fetched to think AmaZulu could force their way into the title picture?
There would be plenty of supporters who would argue that, if you’re going to include a third team in the conversation, it should be Kaizer Chiefs. While you could certainly make a case for that, it is Usuthu who are closest to Pirates and Sundowns in the current PSL standings.
Arthur Zwane’s side have taken 16 points from 7 games to sit in third spot, a 4 points behind first-placed Sundowns currently on 20pts.
It has only been seven rounds of PSL football, so there’s obviously still a long way to go. But AmaZulu have made a really strong start and are giving themselves every reason to dream big this season.
This is not the first time someone has suggested that Usuthu could surprise a few people.
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Eugene Zwane labelled AmaZulu the “dark horse” for the 2026/27 campaign last month, and he was confident his namesake could lead the club into the top three.
“You know, the dark horse is going to be AmaZulu, hey. I can almost guarantee that they will be able to get a top three finish this season under his [Zwane] leadership,” Zwane told FARPost.
That prediction came before the season had really taken shape, but AmaZulu’s position after seven rounds means it is already looking like a fairly interesting call.
Zwane was not necessarily tipping Usuthu to win the league, but his belief that they could break into the top three is relevant now that they find themselves third with just three points behind Pirates.
It is still far too early to start talking about a title being won or lost, but AmaZulu have certainly put themselves in a position where the conversation is justified.
The big question now is whether Usuthu can keep themselves in the conversation when the pressure starts to build.
Next up for Zwane’s side is a KwaZulu-Natal derby where they make the short trip to Chatsworth Stadium to take on Durban City on 13 October 2026.
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