In a surprising turn of events, AmaZulu Football Club has announced the departure of head coach Pablo Franco Martin after a rocky start to the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
The Spaniard’s exit follows a string of disappointing results that left the team struggling at the bottom of the league standings.
A Tough Beginning
Things didn’t bode well for Martin from the outset, as AmaZulu faced three consecutive losses in their opening matches.
They kicked off the season with a narrow 2-1 defeat against Polokwane City, which was followed by a more significant setback—a 3-1 loss at home to Kaizer Chiefs in front of their fans at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
A 1-0 defeat to Marumo Gallants over the weekend proved to be the final nail in the coffin, ultimately sealing Martin’s fate.
With these results, Martin’s record at AmaZulu now stands at 15 wins, 12 draws, and 12 losses across his 39 games in charge.
Official Announcement of Martin’s Exit
The club released a statement regarding the coaching change: “AmaZulu has decided to part ways with head coach Pablo Franco Martin and assistant coach Aitor Van Den Brule.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to both Martin and Aitor for their contributions over the past 15 months.
Their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate the effort they have put into their roles.
We wish them the best in their future endeavors and extend our warmest regards as they move forward.”
Aligning Ambitions with Actions
This rocky start sharply contrasts with the club’s ambitions.
AmaZulu, under the leadership of owner Sandile Zungu, has made it clear that they aim to compete for trophies and establish themselves as a powerful force in South African football.
The early-season struggles clearly didn’t align with these lofty goals, prompting the decision to change the coaching staff.
What Lies Ahead?
As AmaZulu looks to regain their footing in the league, fans are left wondering what the future holds for the team.
With a new direction ahead, the club will be eager to turn their season around and get back on track.