Former AmaZulu FC coach Pablo Franco Martin has revealed a Kaizer Chiefs star who was a primary transfer target for Usuthu prior to the start of this season.
The Spanish coach was relieved of his duties following a disappointing start to the season, having lost the first three matches of the Betway Premiership.
This marked the end of his 15-month tenure at the Sandile Zungu-owned club.
Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi took over the reins as co-coaches tasked with the responsibility of reviving the fortunes of the Durban-based club.
Martin says Chiefs attacking midfielder Gaston Sirino was on top of their wishlist since last season when he wasn’t getting playing time at his previous club, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Despite their interest, Usuthu were unable to land the 33-year-old star, who departed Chloorkop at the end of last campaign.
Sirino eventually joined the Phefeni Glamour Boys, where he has made a significant impact, scoring two goals and providing four assists in eight appearances across all competitions.
PABLO FRANCO MARTIN SAYS HE WANTED TO BRING SIRINO TO AMAZULU
“Gaston was in the first list of players that the technical team elaborated more than one year ago,” Martin told FARPost.
“He was not playing that much at Sundowns, and it is not difficult to see that his quality and decision-making are above average in this league.”
Martin acknowledged that AmaZulu might have “reached the next level” if they managed to secure all the players they had identified as targets.
He highlighted that, in addition to players, other resources were also crucial for improving the team’s performance, but these were unfortunately out of reach.
‘WE REQUESTED NOT ONLY PLAYERS BUT OTHER NEEDS’
“We’ll never know, but probably yes. We requested not only players but some other needs because we wanted the team to reach the next level, but we understand that in football, most of the time, you cannot get what you want,” he added.
“We always worked with huge professionalism, being positive and avoiding complaints, so I am not going to change my speech now.”
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