Thanda Royal Zulu Football Club was more than just a team — it was a cross-continental experiment in football development, community upliftment, and cultural exchange. Established in 2007 following the purchase of a PSL franchise by a Swedish consortium, the club brought European ambition to the town of Richards Bay and quickly became a respected name in the South African football scene. Known as “Amabhubesi” (The Lions), Thanda’s roar was loud but short-lived — ending in 2017 when their PSL status was sold to AmaZulu.
🟨 SECTION 2: Club Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thanda Royal Zulu Football Club |
| Nickname | Amabhubesi (The Lions) |
| Founded | 2007 (via franchise purchase) |
| Location | Richards Bay / Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Stadium | Umhlathuze Sports Complex |
| Club Colors | Royal Blue and White |
| Owners | Royal Sports AB (Swedish consortium, led by Christin and Dan Olofsson) |
| Status | Defunct (PSL status sold to AmaZulu in 2017) |
🟨 SECTION 3: Origins – From Benoni to Zululand
- ⚽ The club’s roots go back to Benoni Premier United, which itself was previously Hellenic FC of Cape Town.
- In 2007, Swedish group Royal Sports AB, including links to coach Sven-Göran Eriksson, purchased Benoni Premier United’s PSL license and relocated the club to northern KwaZulu-Natal.
- The vision was twofold:
- Promote professional football in underrepresented rural areas.
- Build a football brand with global appeal rooted in Zulu heritage and values.
🟨 SECTION 4: Life in the PSL – Big Vision, Uneven Results
- 2007/08: First PSL season as Thanda Royal Zulu – finished 14th.
- Known for stylish branding and strong Swedish financial support, but struggled on the pitch.
- Became known as “relegation fighters” – constantly flirting with the drop but staying competitive.
🟨 SECTION 5: Highs in the NFD – Redemption and Controversy
- After multiple relegation struggles, Thanda dropped to the National First Division (NFD) but used the opportunity to reset.
- 2016/17 Season: Finished top of the NFD, earning automatic promotion to the PSL.
- But instead of taking their place, Thanda sold their newly-earned PSL status to AmaZulu FC.
🗞️ This led to a storm of controversy, with the uMhlathuze Municipality questioning the club’s dealings — especially regarding a R5 million annual sponsorship deal reportedly signed without full board approval.
🟨 SECTION 6: The Ownership and Vision Behind Thanda
- 🏢 Owners: Christin and Dan Olofsson, entrepreneurs from Sweden, founders of the Thanda Group.
- 🌍 Other ventures included:
- Thanda Safari in KZN (wildlife conservation).
- Thanda Island in Tanzania (luxury marine reserve).
- Thanda Classic Cruise in the Mediterranean.
- ⚽ Football was part of their community empowerment initiative — using sport to uplift rural areas and develop youth.
“Thanda means love. It was never just about football. It was about hope, dignity, and empowerment.” – Dan Olofsson
🟨 SECTION 7: Sale to AmaZulu FC – A Historic But Bitter End
- In July 2017, after securing PSL promotion, Thanda Royal Zulu sold their top-flight spot to AmaZulu FC, who had finished fifth in the NFD that season.
- The PSL approved the sale, making AmaZulu the only club in SA history to go from fifth place to the PSL in a boardroom decision.
- 🔚 This marked the end of Thanda Royal Zulu as a professional football club.
