AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu has expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance under fired coach Pablo Franco Martin, stating that it was unacceptable to lose three matches in a row.

He announced that a new coach would be appointed in the coming days.

Martin’s dismissal comes after Usuthu’s poor start to the Betway Premiership, leaving them at the bottom of the table with no points. Before the season began, Zungu had made it clear that he wanted the club to finish in the top four, but the team struggled to meet these expectations.

In his column with Ilanga, Zungu criticized the team’s performance, saying, “Although I could see what they were doing (along with his assistant coach Aitor van der Brule), not getting one point in three matches was unacceptable.”

He emphasized the importance of fighting for competition and demanded more commitment from the players.

Despite previous reports linking Usuthu with coaches Ernst Middendorp and Benni McCarthy, Zungu confirmed that the new coach would be a local South African. He explained that a local coach would better understand the country’s football culture.

“This coming week, we are going to appoint the new coach, who will help us come out of this situation,” said Zungu. 

“We see it is better to appoint a local coach, who understands the football culture of South African football.”

Siboniso Vilakazi, Usuthu’s second assistant coach, has been leading the team’s training since Martin’s departure. The new coach will have a challenging task, facing Orlando Pirates after the Carling Knockout Cup match on 25 October.

Zungu expressed his hope that this match would be a turning point for the team. “The new coach will take over from second assistant coach Siboniso Vilakazi, who has been leading the training since the departure of Martin. 

“The new coach has to prepare the thorough for the Carling Knockout Cup match and the new coach’s difficult task will be against Orlando Pirates, the MTN8 champions, on 25 October away.  

“I feel this is the perfect time for Usuthu to wake up from its slumber. We have not defeated Pirates since the 2013/14 season away and we don’t need a miracle to change that, but we have to show commitment.”  

Although Usuthu beat Pirates then, the game was played at FNB Stadium, Pirates alternative venue, as Orlando Stadium was temporarily not available for use.  

Former Usuthu striker Bongani Ndulula scored the game’s only goal on that day under coach Craig Rosslee.  

But Usuthu has not defeated Pirates at Orlando Stadium since the venue was reopened in 2008, making the new coach’s task extremely hard especially given Pirates are playing so well and the morale in their camp is so high after winning the MTN8 trophy on Saturday.