AmaZulu FC have announced the new head coach set to take over from Ayanda Dlamini ahead of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
Usuthu announced on Tuesday that the former Simba SC coach Pablo Franco Martin is the new head coach of the club.
The Spanish mentor penned a three-year deal with the Durban-based club. Pablo’s appointment comes after the club conducted several interviews looking for the Dlamini’s successor.
Gavin Hunt, Luc Eymael and Alfons Groenendijk are some of the coaches that were linked with the side.
AMAZULU ANNOUNCE NEW HEAD COACH
The club released a statement revealing that appointing a new coach was a difficult task.
“Following an intense two weeks after the announcement to appoint the new Head Coach of Usuthu, Club President Sandile Zungu has today roped in the services of Spaniard, Pablo Franco Martin on a 36-month long deal,” read the club’s statement.
“We have been interviewing a number of parties who had expressed an interest in becoming head coach of AmaZulu Football club. These prospects were local – tied to teams in the DSTV Premiership, others were erstwhile coaches of the DSTV Premiership, and some were internationals based in Africa who compete in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup.
“Others were coaches who had stints in the continent who were now coaching in Europe, Asia, some in the Middle East and one or two in South America,” said Zungu.
“Some of the 43-year-old tactician’s former teams include, Simba SC in Tanzania, Qadsia SC in Kuwait, Getafe and Real Madrid in Spain in Head Coach and Assistant roles,” the statement added.
“We emerged with one name. A name that the players will be very happy with, the supporters, sponsors, and the directors of AmaZulu Football Club. We believe that the local league will be richer with a person of this gentleman’s calibre coming to the DSTV Premiership,” said Zungu.
“In true Usuthu tradition style, Gwabini has dubbed Spaniard, “Cijimpi” which is synonymous with sharpening of Zulu warriors to war. Franco will join the squad next week to begin his pre-season program,” concluded the statement.
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