AmaZulu FC coach, Pablo Franco Martin has shed some light on the team’s link with former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Richards Ofori, who was reported to have signed with the club. 

Ofori, otherwise known as ‘The Black Cat’, parted ways with Orlando Pirates in July after spending four seasons at the Buccaneers. 

The 30-year-old had since not found a new home, spending preseason without a club. However, the shot-stopper had been spotted in and around the AmaZulu headquarters, at Moses Mabhida Stadium, which raised much speculation on a move to Usuthu. 

The Spanish tactician finally cleared the air in his post-match interview after a 3-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday, confirming that despite the deal not being finalized, Ofori has already started training with the club. 

“I’m going be honest you know, he came two days ago, and he has been training with the team and he’s a great goalkeeper with a lot of experience in PSL, Africa, and with the national team,” revealed Martin. 

After an impressive showing at Maritzburg United (now Durban City), the Ghanaian formed part of Pirates marquee signings in 2020, eventually establishing himself as one of the most valuable goalkeepers in the country and subsequently serving one of the club’s captains. 

In approving the club’s acquisition of Ofori, the AmaZulu gaffer lauded the Ghanaian and recalled one of the scenarios where he witnessed his quality. 

“I know him well because I don’t know if you remember this but he was the one sending me home in the CAF (Confederation Cup semi-final in 2022) when we played here with Simba against Orlando Pirates. He saved two penalties and scored the winning one,” recalled Martin. 

Despite admitting to the arrival of the three-time MTN8 winner at Usuthu, Martin further clarified that there is yet to be an official contractual agreement in signatures. 

“But he’s also a player who hasn’t played for a long period so we want to see him if he’s keen to sign for us. Let’s see what happens in the upcoming hours, he’s a free agent,”

The Spaniard further explained, “It’s a discussion between the club, the director of football (Pedro Dias), the technical staff, and the player himself. So, let’s see if they reach an agreement or if it’s not worth it.” 

If Ofori joins Usuthu, it will raise concern about the future of Usuthu captain Veli Mothwa who made two big blunders with Bafana Bafana during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and at his club level in the past couple of weeks.