How Luc Eymael's AmaZulu deal collapsed at the last minute

The public broadcaster reported last week that Eymael was a front-runner in the race for the Usuthu vacancy until president Sandile Zungu dropped the curtain on the former Real Madrid assistant coach on a three-year deal.

According to an informant, the former Polokwane City, Free State Stars, and Black Leopards mentor had already verbally agreed to a deal with AmaZulu following two meetings with the club. 

The last meeting took place on Friday, 9 June, via Zoom and lasted approximately two hours, and it was thought that Zungu and the club's board were impressed by Eymael's presentation.

The following Tuesday, the coach's agent was then informed that he had passed his interview and requested they send a letter of agreement before the formal contract would be presented.

Speaking on Ukhozi FM's Prime Time Sport with Victor Molefe, Zungu refused to divulge named of coaches who missed out on the job, but confirmed talking with several prominent coaches.

"We received over 40 CVs from coaches, even some in the PSL. Unfortunately, I can't mention names," Zungu told Molefe.

"We had the last four [candidates], it was intense but at the end of the day we chose Pablo "Cijimpi" Franco Martin – he has huge experience in African competitions, he knows how to work with youngsters, and we were very impressed with him and his football style. 

"We believe he can take Usuthu to another level."

It has also emerged that Eymael, who led Ea Lla Koto to their maiden Nedbank Cup title in 2018, declined an offer to return to coach in Egypt as he awaited the finalisation of his agreement with the Durban-based side. 

However, the news of Franco Martin's appointment on Tuesday is said to have come as a major shock to Eymael, with a source close to the club revealing that a last-minute change of heart was brought upon by external pressures of the potential appointment of the 63-year-old former Young Africans mentor.

The pressure is believed to have emanated from the alleged racism incident back in 2020 that created a mass outcry and all but ruined Eymael's reputation in South Africa, although he was later cleared following a FIFA investigation. 

Chippa United previously found themselves in a similar situation after receiving backlash from the football fraternity, including political party EFF and football mother body SAFA, when they wanted to appoint him as coach in 2021.