AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu has confirmed the appointment of former Real Madrid assistant coach Pablo Franco Martin as the club’s new head coach.

The 43-year-old joins the club as their new head coach on a deal which runs for 36 months.

The Spaniard brings a wealth of experience having previously managed Santa Eugenia, CD Illescas, Purtollano, Getafe, Saburtalo, Qadsia SC and most recently Simba SC.

He also has a long experience list as an assistant which includes Coria CF, CF Fuenlabrada, BJ Enterprises and most notably Real Madrid.

Franco is now expected to join the squad next week to begin his pre-season program ahead of the 2023-24 season.

“We have been interviewing a number of parties who had expressed an interest in becoming head coach of AmaZulu Football Club,” Zungu told his club’s official website.

“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.

“We are absolutely delighted at the quality of parties that we interviewed, who shared with us their ideas about Usuthu. Usuthu is loved and seen as a very attractive prospect.

“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. We believe that the local league will be richer with a person of this gentleman’s calibre coming to the DSTV Premiership.”

Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix