AmaZulu co-coach Vusi Vilakazi has confirmed that Sandile Mthethwa will not be part of the squad for the next two matches of 2024, as he joined the team outside the transfer window.

Mthethwa was originally registered with Orlando Pirates at the start of the PSL season. Since he was released only after the transfer window closed, he will be ineligible to play until January when the transfer window reopens.

If Mthethwa’s transfer to AmaZulu had been completed before the September transfer deadline or during the January window, he would have been able to play for Usuthu immediately.

“Mthethwa will be ready for selection in January,” Vilakazi mentioned on Friday, ahead of AmaZulu’s upcoming match against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.

In contrast, Bongani Zungu, who has also joined AmaZulu, is eligible to play right away because he was not registered with any PSL team at the beginning of the season and has been a free agent since leaving Sundowns in June.

Nonetheless, it remains uncertain if Zungu will be fit to face Sundowns on Tuesday, as Friday marked his first training session with Usuthu.

“Honestly, this was Zungu’s first session on the pitch with us,” Vilakazi admitted.

“We focused on gym work on Thursday, so we’ll need to assess his fitness and make a decision. If he’s fit, he can play. If not, it’s not a disaster, as we have other players in form. We’ll monitor his condition closely.”

Following the match against Sundowns, AmaZulu will conclude their 2024 calendar with a game against Cape Town City at DHL Stadium on December 29.