Durban – AmaZulu have sacked head coach Pablo Franco Martin and his assistant coach Aitor Van Den Brule.
The 44-year-old tactician was appointed as the head coach of Usuthu on 1 July 2023 on a three-year deal.
On Monday, (30 September 2024), Martin left the football club with two years remaining on his contract.
Upon his arrival last season with his coaching assistant, Van den Brule, Martin won the pre-season KZN Premier’s Cup.
AmaZulu beat Richards Bay 5-4 on penalties at Princes Magogo Stadium.
This victory raised hopes for the Durban side.
Despite high expectations, the Madrid-born coach failed to secure a Top Eight finish at the end of last season.
AmaZulu finished 11th on the PSL log – one position better than the previous season.
This time around, Martin again generated high expectations owing to the transfers made by AmaZulu.
The Betway Premiership side has beefed up their squad with striker Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu, who impressed while turning out for Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe side, Sinenkani FC, in the Kabba Cup.
The signing of Ndlovu was followed by another signing of striker, Boniface Haba, from Botolo Pro side, Olympique Club Safi.
Martin also received a boost with loan players from Mamelodi Sundowns including striker Etiosa Ighadora, midfielder Luvuyo Phewa, and Sfiso Ngobeni who plays as a left-back.
Former Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows defender, Kwanda Mngonyama following the vanish of Swallows.
Usuthu also signed winger Andiswa Sithole from Durban City FC (formerly known as Maritzburg United).
Notwithstanding the new signings, Martin failed to win a single point in his opening three games of this season’s Betway Premiership.
AmaZulu lost 2-1 against Polokwane City, 3-1 versus Kaizer Chiefs and recently Usuthu went down 1-0 to Marumo Gallants.
Following the defeats, AmaZulu decided to terminate the contracts of the Spanish coach and his assistant.
In a statement on Tuesday, (1 October 2024), AmaZulu said: “We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to both, Pablo Franco Martin and Aitor Van Den Brule, for their contributions during the last 15 months at the helm of the team”.
The club wished the coaches the best in their future endeavours.
The 1971/72 South African league champions will announce their new head coach in due course.
