AmaZulu coach slams PSL’s busy schedule for his players’ injuries
Following a 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night, AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin slammed PSL‘s fixture congestion for his players’ injuries.
Lucas Ribeiro’s solo goal from the spot kick earned Bafana Ba Style’s 10th DStv Premiership consecutive win against AmaZulu at King Zwelithini Stadium.
The Spanish mentor, Martin, says the PSL’s bloated fixture list has caused his players’ injuries.
The game between Usuthu and Masandawana was initially set to take place on Wednesday, 8 November 2023. But the PSL postponed the match due to Sundowns’ commitments in the African Football League [AFL].
At the time, Masandawana were set to host Wydad Athletic in the second leg of the AFL. The game took place at Loftus Stadium on Sunday, 12 November 2023.
Sadly, In the 39th minute of the game between AmaZulu and Sundowns, Thembela Sikhakhane was forced to be replaced due to an injury.
The unfortunate part is that Sikhakhane had just returned from an injury. Celimpilo Ngema came in to replace the injured Sikhakhane.
PABLO FRANCO MARTIN SLAMS PSL OVER AMAZULU’S INJURIES
Coach Martin feels his players have been stretched to the breaking point by the PSL’s fixture congestion, which leads to injuries.
“Well, the PSL decided to play this game today when there were more days to play this game. We don’t have time to rest,” Martin told SuperSport TV in a post-match interview.
“This has happened before to us and it’s happening again. But they [PSL] don’t care about the health of the players.
“And from there we have to play, we play, they [players] are doing their best but they get injured.”
The former Simba SC coach continued: “It’s a pity because there are players who are playing for the national team, but this is what it is.”
AMAZULU’S CURRENT POSITION ON THE LOG STANDINGS
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit currently occupy 12th position on the log standings with 15 points from 13 outings.
AmaZulu’s next fixture will be against Sekhukhune United at home on Wednesday, 13 December 2023.
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