The KwaZulu-Natal-based side, Amazulu FC, has announced that it has decided to part ways with head coach Pablo Franco “Cijimpi” Martin and assistant coach Aitor Van Den Brule.
Cijimpi leaves Usuthu following a disappointing start in the newly established Betway Premiership, having failed to collect a point in his first three games. Amazulu currently sits in 16th place in the log table, with zero points.
In a statement issued by the club on Monday evening, Usuthu acknowledged coach Cijimpi and his assistant coach for the outstanding work they carried out while at the club.
“We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to both PabloFranco Martin and Aitor Van Den Brule for their contribution during the last 15 months at the helm of the team. Their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate all the effort they have put into their roles,” statement reads.
“We wish them the best in their future endeavours and extend our warmest regards as they move forward in their careers.”
The Spanish-born manager joined Usuthu in June of last year, before the start of the 2023/24 season. Cijimpi managed Usuthu in 39 games across all competitions. He registered 15 wins, 12 draws, and 12 defeats.
Considering that it was his first season in South African football, it was not entirely a bad season. Expectations were high this season; however, things took a turn for the worse as he began the season on the wrong foot, losing three games in a row.
Cijimpi kicked off his 2024/25 season with a 2-1 defeat away to Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. In his second game, he suffered a convincing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium before being narrowly defeated by Marumo Gallants on Saturday in Free State.
Amazulu will continue their 2024/25 campaign on October 25 when they face the in-form Jose Riveiro’s Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium, exactly one month after being out of action.
