AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin has expressed his delight at his team’s performance against Royal AM in the Nedbank Cup round of 32.

Usuthu advanced to the last 16 of the competition after claiming a 1-0 victory over Royal AM thanks to a goal from Hendrick Ekstein at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban.

Martin is now hoping his side can continue their current momentum as they shift their focus back to the DStv Premiership when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.

“I think it was balanced in the first half but in the second half, we created more chances and it was a bit more open,” Martin told SuperSport TV after the game.

“We were capable of taking our chances and from there let’s go for the next round — that’s the objective. Now it’s time to get back into reality.

“I am seeing the values of this team, the foundations we are building from day one. Another clean sheet and the solidarity from the players on and off the field.

“We need to keep growing and we need to keep insisting on our idea to get better. At least we are back on track and that is the most important thing.”