That season was a tough one

After a rollercoaster two-season spell with AmaZulu FC, former Maritzburg United playmaker Rowan Human is officially a free agent.

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His was one of the names already linked with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates—but for the attacking midfielder, the moment is less about hype and more about purpose. Soccer Laduma’s Delmain Faver sat down with the Johannesburg-born star, who, at 24, finds himself at a new crossroads. Mpho, as Human is also known, speaks candidly about regaining his confidence, the weight of expectations, and why this next chapter in his career might be the most important yet.

DF: It’s in stark contrast to the season before last, when you made just one start. This time around, you made 27 appearances. What changed?

RH: That season was a tough one. Honestly, it was frustrating. I just kept my head down and kept working. It was disheartening at times—knowing you could make a difference but having to sit in the stands or on the bench. I focused a lot on losing weight, and that took time. It was hard, but I pushed through. I managed to bounce back and show what I could really do, even when there were doubts.

DF: You suffered a tragic personal loss this past season, please tell us about that and how it affected you.

RH: Yeah, I lost my best friend. He passed away under brutal circumstances, and it tore me apart. I was with him every day. His death affected me deeply. Even when I was training or playing, mentally, I was elsewhere. You try to be present in certain moments, but you just can’t. That time was extremely difficult-my mental health was at an all-time low.

DF: Given that this was your best season in an AmaZulu FC shirt, it came as a surprise when you were released by the club. How did that decision come about?