Amazulu appoint ex-Real Madrid assistant Pablo Franco Martin as new head coach

Usuthu announced the arrival of Martin on a three-year deal, with the Spaniard's initial contract taking him until 2026.

Luc Eymeal and Alfons Groenendijk were other coaches strongly linked to the role that was vacated when Ayanda Dlamini was sacked towards the end of last season.

Amazulu President Sandile Zungu said: "We have been interviewing a number of parties who had expressed an interest in becoming head coach of AmaZulu Football Club.

"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."

Martin had a bried stint as assistant to Julen Lopetegui at LaLiga giants Real Madrid while he also has experience of a head coaching role in Africa, having taken charge of Simba SC in Tanzania between November 2021 and May 2022.

He also coached LaLiga side Getafe in 2015, and had a stint with Georgian club FC Saburtalo Tbilisi.