Pablo Franco Martin former coach of AmaZulu FC speaks to the team. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu, BackpagePix
AmaZulu midfielder Rowan Human remains hopeful about the club’s revival, even as they navigate a turbulent phase without a head coach.
Following the departure of Pablo Franco Martin, who was dismissed due to a disappointing start to the 2024/25 season, the KwaZulu-Natal side finds itself at the bottom of the Betway Premiership table after three consecutive defeats.
As AmaZulu seeks a successor, Human addressed the media at the Carling Knockout Cup launch in Sandton, where they learned they would face defending champions Stellenbosch in Durban next weekend.
His comments resonated with both optimism and realism, acknowledging the challenges but stressing the importance of unity and training progress among his teammates.
“It has not been easy, obviously because of what's happened,” he admitted.
“Lately, the guys have been doing well and have been training really well. I feel it's only a matter of time before everything clicks for us.”
Taking on the formidable Stellenbosch will test AmaZulu’s resilience, but Human is confident that their collective spirit will carry them through the storm of uncertainty surrounding the managerial position.
Numerous names have surfaced as potential candidates, with former mentor Benni McCarthy and Cape Town Spurs’ Ernst Middendorp being prominent figures in the discussions.
However, Durban-born Clinton Larsen seems to be leading the pack, potentially paired with Vusumuzi Vilakazi, who could transition from DStv Diski Challenge duties to guide the senior team.
Human acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to a new coaching philosophy, especially after spending a significant period under Martin’s guidance. He remarked on the need for patience and the importance of maintaining the camaraderie built among the players during this transition.
“We spent a season with him, so it's going to be tough, but as long as the guys are together, the bond we’ve been building is significant now more than ever,” he noted.
Despite the uncertainty, Human expressed confidence in their ability to deliver against Stellenbosch, citing the advantages of a home game and the familiar environment as contributing factors.
“There is pressure for us to perform because the chairman is a very ambitious man. AmaZulu is a brand that's supposed to do well, but we will wait to see where we are as players and find out who will be leading us.”
As AmaZulu prepares for this crucial encounter, all eyes will be on their ability to transform early season struggles into a fighting spirit, proving that a team united in purpose can still thrive amidst adversity.
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