Former AmaZulu FC head coach Pablo Franco Martin, now playing his trade in Saudi Arabia, has revealed when he received an offer from Orlando Pirates.
The Spanish coach is currently spearheading the Saudi Arabian second-tier side Al-Faisaly. He was in charge of AmaZulu FC for the 2023/24 season and the first three games of the current campaign.
Martin revealed that Pirates sent him a proposal when he was still with Simba SC in Tanzania, which was even before he coached the Betway Premiership side, Usuthu. He stated, “It was not the right time” for him to join the club.
When asked if he’d be interested in Pirates’ job following Jose Riveiro’s exit, he said, “Of course, I always want to train the best teams as possible.”
PABLO FRANCO MARTIN ON RECEIVING PIRATES PROPOSAL
“When I was at Simba I received a proposal from them [Orlando Pirates] but it was not the right time,” said Martin during the exclusive interview with FARPost.
“When I am involved in a project, I like to respect the club, the people I work with and the fans, so I don’t like to leave even when I receive a better offer. But as a coach, of course, I always want to train the best teams as possible.
“Pirates are such a big club, and they are right now in the place they deserve, winning trophies and being dominant on the continent.
“Since I arrived in SA, I have always said that the credit is for their players and technical staff, but also for their owner and board because they believed in a project and supported them in the bad days. That is why they are collecting trophies now.”
He further disclosed that some PSL clubs have made approaches for his services this season. Martin says he is seeking an “ambitious project” where he can win trophies.
“I already had a few approaches from PSL teams this season. I just need an ambitious project which gives me the chance to fight for winning championships again,” added Martin.
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