How Mulenga set the PSL on fire with AmaZulu
The story of AmaZulu FC has been one of the best in the PSL this season.
Led by legendary Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy as head coach with a side that narrowly avoided relegation last season, not many predicted AmaZulu to do very well this season - despite their owners’ grandiose claim that they would finish top four. Nobody thought they would finish second.
It was largely thanks to the work of Zambian international Augustine Mulenga, whose virtuoso performances throughout the season propelled the Durban side to near the top of the log. With five goals and eleven assists, the 31-year-old was crucial to his side’s success.
Mulenga at his former club, Orlando Pirates.
It’s a shame that he was not nominated for any of the PSL awards, as he was one of the best performers in the league across the season.
Mulenga’s redemption story this season might be as great as his team’s success was.
Born in Lusaka, Mulenga established himself in his country’s domestic league, playing for some of Zambia’s largest clubs in Nkana and Zanaco.
He made his move to the big-time of African football when Orlando Pirates signed him in 2018 following his impressive play with Zambia’s local-based side at the 2018 African Nations Championship. Unfortunately he failed to hit it off at Pirates, and struggled to earn a consistent starting striker role at the South African giants.
Mulenga (right) in action for his country.
Since leaving Pirates and signing for AmaZulu at the beginning of this season, the 31-year old has resurrected his career.
Playing in a deeper role after Benni McCarthy found it best to utilize the Zambian as a creative midfielder rather than forward, Mulenga directly contributed to 16 goals in 25 games - scoring five and assisting eleven.
McCarthy’s unlocking of Mulenga was crucial to his success as manager, especially during their impeccable run of form from late January to early May that saw the Usuthu win 12 out of 14 league games.
“Each player has his duty on the field and what I’m always looking forward to is if I don’t score, at least I can assist. That makes me happy because it means I’m doing something for the team.”
The Zambian was also named the man of the match on four occasions this season, which is the second best behind Swallows FC ‘s Tlakusani Mthethwa who won six accolades.
Mulenga's starring performances throughout the campaign has allowed his side to play in the CAF Champions League for the first time ever next season - as long as Kaizer Chiefs don’t win the ongoing CAFCL.
Mulenga’s performances with the Durban side has seen him regain an important role with his national team, with Chipololo head coach Micho (who previously managed Mulenga at Pirates) a close follower of his lively showings in the league. He has 26 national team caps and will surely add more if he's to continue with his impressive displays.
It will be very interesting to see if Mulenga and AmaZulu can perform in the Champions League and if they can replicate their performances in the league next season or even win the league.