First Stop Durban For Reds

Alan Beck has the lowdown on first tour opponents AmaZulu FC...

Tell me about AmaZulu FC…
The team was formed in 1932 as Zulu Royal Conquerors and received the backing of a Zulu king, Solomon. They've been through a few changes of ownership and tugs-of-war over the name down the years. As Zulu Royal, they won their only league title in 1972, and since 1974 they've been (nearly always) known as AmaZulu FC. To keep it simple, use their nickname 'Usuthu' – a Zulu war cry.

How did they do last season?
Crucially, much better than in 2010/11. Two seasons ago, Amazulu flirted dangerously with the drop, only avoiding a relegation play-off on goal difference. Last term, they finished in a much more comfortable seventh spot, although they still struggled at home, winning only four league games at the Moses Mabhida.

Who’s in the hot-seat?
Roger Palmgren. The 49-year-old Swede kicked off his managerial career with Sierra Leone in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, and briefly managed back in Swedish third tier before a stint in charge of the Rwandan national team. He was made director of sport at AmaZulu in 2009 and has just been handed a new three-year contract as head coach.

Talk me through the team…
One of the success stories of last season was Goodman Dlamini, an attacking midfielder or second striker, who emerged from the ranks to become the team's top scorer with seven league goals. Marshalling the side from between the sticks is stopper Tapua Kapini.

And the fans?
A passionate lot and not afraid to air their views if things aren't going their way. The team's injury-hit slide towards the relegation zone in 2010/11 was accompanied by voluble fan protests. The club's strong links to the Zulu nation mean there is a fierce sense of pride and regional identity amongst their supporters.

Any United links?
Not really – AmaZulu's main links with English football are through youth development and community schemes with Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic.

Star player
Keeper Kapini – a flamboyant figure who models himself on Bruce Grobbelaar – captains AmaZulu and was recently handed the national armband as Zimbabwe gear up for qualifiers for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. After five years with Platinum Stars (whom England fans will remember from the build-up to the 2010 World Cup in Rustenburg), Kapini joined AmaZulu in 2011 and quickly imposed his personality on the team.

Did you know?
In 1968, the players apparently fell out of royal favour when they turned up to a king's funeral in their kit, having just lost a game!

They said…
"We’re delighted to be hosting Manchester United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. It’s the perfect match to kick off our 80th anniversary year." – Peter O’Connor, general manager.

Tour 2012

AmaZulu FC v United

18 July 2012, 8pm local time

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban