AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin has confirmed that he has been approached by a few clubs, which indicates that he is doing well but has assured that he is committed to the club.
Franco, who joined Usuthu during the off-season, has been linked to the post of Simba SC in Tanzania, who he led to the semifinal of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2022 where they lost to Orlando Pirates.
He has taken Usuthu to the semifinal of the Carling Knockout and will face TS Galaxy next weekend in Durban and iDiski Times understands the Tanzanians reached out to his representatives to explore a potential return to Dar es Salaam.
“I’m happy you are asking this question,” said Martin during the Usuthu media day outside Hollywood Kings Park Stadium on Wednesday as they host Stellenbosch FC on Saturday.
“First of all, I’m a professional coach. It’s normal that when you have a (strong) CV and have a history in some countries, good memories there of you, (they will want you back).
“Now we are improving, performing well, it is normal that some teams are calling you – (asking) duration (of the contract), showing interest in you to join them right now or in the near future, upcoming seasons.
“For me as a coach, I need to be proud of that because any human being likes to be respected especially for us to have opportunities to work because it is not easy.
“But I’m really committed to this project and this is what I can share with the people who are supporting the club, our fans, people in South Africa or in general, or in Tanzania, or Europe.
“Right now, I’m happy at AmaZulu. I came here for a long project, and my family is also happy here, which is important for me in my decision when I’m choosing where to go, and what club I need to work for.
“I’m excited about the future that is waiting for us with AmaZulu.”
Martin said the interest shows that he is doing something right and those offers should keep on coming.
“Any speculation is over. I hope in the upcoming months I keep receiving some phone calls because that would mean that we are doing a great job,” he said.
“But all my focus is here with AmaZulu because I feel this project is mine and I’m happy here and this is what I want to do.”
The 43-year-old, who signed a contract with Usuthu until 2026, has overseen 13 matches in all competitions – winning five, drawing six, and losing two.
