Former Simba Coach Shortlisted For AmaZulu Job

Former Simba SC head coach Pablo Franco Martin has emerged as one of three potential candidates for the AmaZulu job.

President Sandile Zungu has made sweeping changes in the technical team, with long-serving player-tuned coach Ayanda Dlamini relieved of his duties following an interim head coach role after the now-resigned Romain Folz was redeployed a technical director.

Belgian coach Luc Eymael emerged as the front-runner to succeed the Frenchman but Martin, a former Real Madrid assistant coach to Julen Lopetegui who had a stint at Simba has now also been in contact with Usuthu.

iDiski Times understands, the two coaches, along with a third candidate were interviewed on Friday by Zungu, with the club president clear on his vision of wanting a coach with experience in CAF inter-club football with the required qualifications to lead the club into Africa, should they turn the tide in the coming seasons.

While he’s admitted to making mistakes since taking over the club, Zungu is aiming for a long-term coach to build the AmaZulu project he’s envisioned to challenge for silverware in the South African top-flight and challenge the status quo of the traditional big three.

The club finished in a disappointing 12th place in the league last season after previously enjoying an ascent to CAF Champions League football under former head coach Benni McCarthy, who was sacked back in May 2022.