Pablo Franco Martin, the head coach of AmaZulu FC, has expressed optimism ahead of his team’s midweek showdown against Kaizer Chiefs.
The match is set to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday, September 25th, with kick off scheduled for 19:30.
AmaZulu will be eager to redeem themselves after a disappointing opening-day loss to Polokwane City. In contrast, Chiefs are aiming to extend their winning streak following a victory over Marumo Gallants.
Martin, who has a personal rivalry with Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi from their time in the Tanzanian Premier League, believes that AmaZulu will have the upper hand in this match. He pointed to their previous victory over Chiefs in Durban last season as evidence of his team’s superiority.
Interestingly, Martin and Nabi have faced each other before during their respective tenures in Tanzania.
Martin, who was at the helm of Simba FC in the 2021/22 season, went head-to-head with Nabi, who managed Young Africans.
“I know Nasreddine for a long time ago, we played against each other,” said Martin at a press conference.
“I know how difficult it is to beat him, I’m sure that he’s bringing fresh air to Kaizer Chiefs.
“Any coach when comes to any team does like that, he has experience. On one hand I think it’s gonna be difficult, and on the other hand I think the advantage or the disadvantage it depends on the way you look at it, is that we know each other.
“We already know what works and what does not work. So, I think it’s gonna be interesting battle but I think we’re not important, the ones who are important are the ones with talent on the pitch who are going to control the emotions.
“I’m sure 100% that our guys are gonna be better than the guys. I think we are already showed them what we are capable of, we already beat them this season.
“I’m looking forward to the game and see how AmaZulu players are going to be able to beat Chiefs players who are the main characters of the match.”
Their past league meetings were tightly contested, ending in goalless draws, but Nabi’s Young Africans triumphed in both the Tanzanian Premier League and a cup semi-final against Martin’s side, finishing 13 points clear in the league.