AmaZulu FC head coach Pablo Franco Martin has shared his thoughts on the DStv Premiership after his side played two league matches.
Martin’s tenure at Usuthu began in June, after he joined the club during the pre-season. He was already spearheading AmaZulu when they took part in pre-season tournaments like KZN Premier’s Cup and Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup.
However, his side has only played two official games against Royal AM and SuperSport United, coming out with draws in both of them.
Judging by what he has seen so far, Martin feels all 16 teams in the league are competitive. He believes there’s a small difference between the so-called big teams and the rest.
He also pointed out that many teams have a common challenge of “lack of accuracy” upfront.
PABLO FRANCO MARTIN SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE DSTV PREMIERSHIP
“I already knew South African league because I’ve been watching this league for about two years,” said Martin.
“As you know, I had an opportunity to play CAF [Confederation Cup] quarter-final with Simba against [Orlando] Pirates. I had to watch many Pirates games with other teams facing them in the league.
“And I started having conversations with many clubs here because they had an interest in me. I was watching and analysing those teams.
“This is a league where all teams are very competitive, all games are even. It’s difficult to see a game with a big difference between one team and the rest. Of course, there are teams in this competition who are better than other ones.
“But even the teams in the top four when they’re facing teams in the relegation, all games are really even. From there, about the style of play, you can see like all around the world, there are teams, like the one we played today [SuperSport United] who like to play more direct and there are some who like to play the combination game.
“There are things that are common [between the teams], like the lack of accuracy in the final third for most of the teams. And there are ones with the better decision-making [upfront]. Like the ones at the top of the table.
“Like Pirates who played yesterday [against Royal AM on Tuesday], you can see the difference. They have players who can finish the action with more quality. But for the rest of other teams, let’s say ten, 12 teams, I think we’re having the same problem.”
The former Real Madrid assistant coach is impressed with what he has seen in the stands having felt the atmosphere in the previous two games he has played.
He also commended SA for having shown him respect.
‘THE ATMOSPHERE IS NICE’
“For me also, the atmosphere, most of the time is nice. Everyone is fighting for what they have to fight for but in the end, it’s a party and I like that because football has to make people happy. And I’m seeing people in the stands enjoying the football games,” he continued.
“I’m seeing that everyone in this league is pretty respectful, so this is something I like so far about this competition and about SA football. I’ve been in many countries and sometimes it’s difficult to see [what I have seen here].”
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