Thanda Royal Zulu was a South African football club based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
History The club started after a Swedish consortium that included Sven-Goran Eriksson bought the franchise from Benoni Premier United at the end of the 2006–07 season. The new owners moved the franchise from Benoni to KwaZulu-Natal.
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 Premiership was sold to fifth-placed Amazulu.
League record Premiership 2007–08 – 14th 2008–09 – 15th (relegated)
National First Division 2009–10 – 5th (Coastal Stream) 2010–11 – 2nd (Coastal Stream) 2011–12 – 3rd 2012–13 – 4th 2013–14 – 11th 2014–15 – 4th 2015–16 – 14th 2016–17 – 1st
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 2007–2017 Thanda Royal Zulu FC Durban / Mpumalanga / Richards Bay
References
External links Premier Soccer League NFD Club Info