AmaZulu FC was formed in the early 1930s by Zulu migrant workers and were known as Zulu Royal Conquerors. After performing well in their games, the team was introduced to King Solomon ka Dinizulu in 1932 who changed the name to Zulu Royals. The King also gave the team the right to use the Shield as their logo. In 1974 the club was taken over by the supporters and the name changed to AmaZulu FC.
In its recent years, AmaZulu FC has become not just a well supported local club. They have made it their responsibility to wield the widespread influence of their soccer brand as more than a business. Since the 1980s, The AmaZulu FC Youth Development Programme has been recognising and nurturing local young footballers as well as expanding their potential.
Soccer is a tool that has the power to educate, improve health, teach life- skills, reduce crime and motivate people. So in 2009 the AmaZulu Community Trust was formed. AmaZulu partners with organisations both locally and abroad to roll out projects that will uplift society, especially in the rural and disadvantaged communities and with the youth.
Some of these include:
The Ikusasa Elethu Schools Project which is based in the Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu area of Durban. Among its many benefits to the community the project has put coaches through the Charlton Athletic Coaching Course in the UK.
The Build It U/13 Tournament was rolled out country wide with AmaZulu FC coaches assisting in coaching programmes.
In Engen U/17 Knockout Tournament saw a participation of over 1500 kids during which vast talent was discovered.
The AmaZulu Golf Day raised R110 000 that was donated to Gozololo Centre which feeds over 2000 orphans. AmaZulu partnered with another of KwaZulu-Natal brand, Ezemvelo Wildlife Trust to spread the word about climate change. And community visits are conducted regularly with AmaZulu FC players at churches, schools and prisons to motivate and inspire communities.
On the 80th Anniversary of AmaZulu FC, the Ethekwini Living Legends Awards recognises and celebrates their efforts on the field. We also laud the on-going contributions they’ve made to our communities, where they’re passing on something far greater than a soccer ball.