'Change needed to happen now!' - AmaZulu president shares reason for shock Benni exit

• Benni McCarthy has departed AmaZulu after taking charge of 60 official matches.
• The former Bafana Bafana striker has experienced a roller coaster 2021/22 campaign.
• Club owner reveals that the search is already in progress for the McCarthy's successor.

AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu has broken his silence following the shock departure of head coach Benni McCarthy.

On Friday morning, rumours swirled that AmaZulu surprisingly have taken the option to part ways with the 44-year-old as recent results have not gone the way for the former Bafana Bafana striker.

Oddly, McCarthy still trained the players on the day, according to reports.

But, the inevitable arrived as AmaZulu confirmed the news in the afternoon as both parties "mutually" agreed to terminate their "relationship".

McCarthy, the all-time leading Bafana Bafana goal-scorer, took over as mentor in December 2020, less than two months after Zungu claimed acquisition of the club.

The UEFA Champions League winner guided Usuthu to a surprising second-place finish in the 2020/21 Premiership campaign, securing their first taste of CAF Champions League football.

But the 2021/22 season has been a roller-coaster for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit as they are currently placed ninth on the league table, amassing 14 draws, five victories and five defeats. 

"It is true that with effect from today, Benni McCarthy and AmaZulu Football Club parted ways," Zungu said.

"We parted ways on an amicable basis. It is known the role Benni played in taking AmaZulu from above relegation zone to finishing top two last season - and effectively competing in the CAF Champions League, including the group stages.

"It's a highly commendable effort and at AmaZulu, we are very grateful. And on that basis wish Benni the best in his future endeavours. But it is quite clear that the team needed change and that change needed to happen now, hence we decided to part ways with immediate effect."

Zungu added: "We have a technical team who can marshal the forces for the next seven league games, and we'll be out looking for a permanent replacement for Benni.

"The search has started in earnest, and we are absolutely sure that we’ll have something really great to take AmaZulu to greater heights."