Cape Town - AmaZulu will hope to achieve what Golden Arrows did last season in the National First Division and earn promotion straight back to the top flight after being relegated the season prior.
Despite losing players like Bongani Ndulula, Khulekani Madondo, Siyabonga Mngoma, Philani Shange and Nkosinathi Mthiyane amongst others, Usuthu still have some experienced campaigners and are confident of promotion.
The club team manager Japhet Zwane confirmed that goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro, Marc Van Heerden and Ayanda Dlamini have decided to remain at the club despite having attracted some interest from other cubs.
“Marc is staying at the club and Murambadoro has renewed his contract," said Zwane.
"Players that had contracts with the club are still with us and it is only those whose contracts came to an end in June and did not renew."
Captain Robyn Johannes and youngster Tapelo Nyongo will be amongst the key players that will be influential in ensuring that the Durban side returns back to the top flight.
“Our preparations are going well at the moment," added Zwane.
"We have not yet finalized our squad and the challenge we have is that there are not too many exceptional under 23 players that we can take to the side.
“As you know, some of our key players are still with us so when we were scouting we had to make sure that we bring in the best players who will gel well in the club."
As part of their preparations Usuthu will play in the KwaZulu-Natal Premiers Cup which will feature two Premiership clubs Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United at Richards Bay.