Thanda Royal Zulu F.C.
Thanda Royal Zulu was a South African football club based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
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| Full name | Thanda Royal Zulu Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Amabhubesi (The Lions) | ||
| Short name | TRZ | ||
| Founded | 2007, renamed Benoni Premier United | ||
| Ground | Richards Bay Stadium, Richards Bay | ||
| Capacity | 8,000 | ||
| 2016–17 | National First Division, 1st | ||
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History
The club was known as Benoni Premier United until the end of the 2006–07 season when it was bought by a Swedish consortium that included Sven-Goran Eriksson. The new owners moved the franchise from Benoni to KwaZulu-Natal. Prior to that the club was known as Hellenic FC and was based in Cape Town.
They played their home games at Richards Bay Stadium in Richards Bay having previously played their home games at the Hammarsdale Stadium in Hammarsdale.
In 2010 the club moved its headquarters from Durban to Richards Bay.
The club's nickname Amabhubesi was Zulu for Lions while Thanda means love.
The club won the 2016–17 National First Division. However, their franchise, and promotion to the 2017–18 Premier Soccer League was sold to fifth-placed Amazulu.
Club records
Premier Soccer League record
- 2008–09 – 15th (relegated)
- 2007–08 – 14th
Shirt sponsor & kit manufacturer
- Shirt sponsor: Bell Equipment
- Kit manufacturer: Joma
Franchise History
| Period | Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1958–2004 | Hellenic FC | Cape Town |
| 2004–2007 | Premier United Football Club | Benoni |
| 2007–present | Thanda Royal Zulu FC | Durban / Mpumalanga / Richards Bay |