‘Only worry’ for Pablo Franco ahead of Chiefs Carling Knockout clash
AmaZulu FC head coach Pablo Franco Martin has revealed the “only worry” he has as his side will clash with Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout Cup next week.
The Carling Knockout was launched midweek, replacing Telkom Knockout which was last played in 2019. Usuthu were pitted against Amakhosi in the Last 16, a match that will take place on Saturday, 21 October at FNB Stadium.
The two sides have already faced each other in the DStv Premiership. Chiefs defeated Usuthu with a 3-0 scoreline at home.
The AmaZulu mentor says it’s an opportunity to avenge the league defeat for his side. He believes the KZN outfit has what it takes to overcome all teams in the league.
However, he admitted he’s worried about playing many games away including the league outings. Meanwhile, it’s the Glamour Boys who’ll be home again when the two meet in the Knockout.
Martin feels they won’t have enough time to prepare themselves for the match as there will be much travelling.
AMAZULU PABLO FRANCO MARTIN ON CARLING KNOCKOUT CLASH WITH CHIEFS
“We have faced them in the league, we were defeated, so now it’s an opportunity to take revenge,” Broos said after the draw.
“So, it’s a bit of a motivation. The only thing I’m worried about is the factor of playing away. Because we have to play Chippa away on the 28 [October], we also play Orlando Pirates on [24 October].
“There’s travelling, no time for preparation, no time to rest. So, that is what happens to us as coaches because as I want to play big games, I have to prepare well.
“We want to show respect for all competitions. We don’t want to give any game away, we need to be competitive and show respect to our fans as well.
“They need us to show them our passion and fighting spirit every game. But when there’s no preparation and time to rest, it’s difficult but it’s a new competition, a knockout competition.
“I feel that right now AmaZulu are capable of beating any team in the league. We’re going to be competitive and try and correct a few mistakes we played them [Chiefs in the league].
“And we have to be more accurate because the football we played against them is the correct one to play.”
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