Former Real Madrid assistant coach Pablo Franco Martin has been appointed as the new head coach of AmaZulu FC.
Usuthu announced Franco Martin’s arrival on Tuesday evening in a statement.
He replaces Ayanda Dlamini, who was interim coach after Romain Folz was redeployed to the technical advisor. Folz has since resigned from his new position.
PABLO FRANCO MARTIN PENS THREE YEAR DEAL
Franco Martin has penned a three-year-old with the DStv Premiership side based in KZN.
The well-traveled mentor was one of three coaches considered for the coaching job at AmaZulu. Luc Eymeal and Alfons Groenendijk were the other candidates.
In a statement, AmaZulu said: “Following an intense two weeks after the announcement to appoint the new Head Coach of Usuthu, Club President Sandile Zungu has today roped in the services of Spaniard, Pablo Franco Martin on a 36-month long deal.
“We have been interviewing a number of parties who had expressed an interest in becoming head coach of AmaZulu Football Club.
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“These prospects were local – tied to teams in the DSTV Premiership, others were erstwhile coaches of the DSTV Premiership, and some were internationals based in Africa who compete in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup.
“Others were coaches who had stints in the continent who were now coaching in Europe, Asia, some in the Middle East and one or two in South America.
“Some of the 43-year-old tactician’s former teams include, Simba SC in Tanzania, Qadsia SC in Kuwait, Getafe and Real Madrid in Spain in Head Coach and Assistant roles,” the statement added.
AMAZULU FC PRESIDENT PLEASED WITH APPOINTMENT
In addition, AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu stated that he is pleased with the appointment of Franco Martin. The coach will join the Usuthu squad next week to start pre-season.
“We emerged with one name. A name that the players will be very happy with, the supporters, sponsors, and the directors of AmaZulu Football Club,” said Zungu.
“We believe that the local league will be richer with a person of this gentleman’s calibre coming to the DSTV Premiership,” Zungu.