AmaZulu FC Welcome Pablo Franco Martin to SA in Traditional Zulu Fashion, Video

AmaZulu FC Welcome Pablo Franco Martin to SA in Traditional Zulu Fashion, Video

Byron Pillay
July 1, 2023 at 10:52 AM
In this article:
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  • Pablo Franco Martin has been given a new nickname by AmaZulu owner Sandile Zungu ahead of his stint as coach
  • Cijimpi means the one who prepares for war, and Martin has assured fans that he was there to fight for the club
  • AmaZulu FC supporters and owner gave Martin a traditional Zulu welcome when he touched down in South Africa

Pablo Franco Martin has been given a traditional welcome to South Africa by the AmaZulu fanbase.

The Spanish manager touched down in the country before the upcoming new season and was warmly greeted by supporters and club president Sandile Zungu.

Pablo Franco Martin, AmaZulu, Sport, World, Soccer, Real Madrid, Getafe, DStv Premiership, Premier Soccer League
AmaZulu FC owner Sandile Zungu warmly welcomed Pablo Franco Martin to the country as 'Cijimpi' prepares to lead the club back to the glory days. Image: @tfgsportsclub
Source: Twitter

The former Real Madrid assistant coach was greeted by traditional Zulu dancers and even presented with a special AmaZulu shirt with his nickname, Cijimpi, at the back.

What does Martin’s nickname mean?

As noted by Names.Org, Cijimpi means ‘the one who prepares for war.’

The name ties in with the club’s Zulu heritage, and Martin has also taken a liking to it.

Martin’s thoughts on new nickname

Kick Off reported that the Spanish coach has taken a liking to his new name, explaining that it describes him well.

“Mr Zungu had a chat with me about the nickname. It was explained what it means. I am a kind of warrior. When I got to a club. I fight for the club. I am going to fight in every single training session. I am going to fight in every game. I am going to protect my people,” he said.

He added that he was someone who fights for those around the team, and would do the same with his new family, the AmaZulu family.

Martin’s history-making plans for AmaZulu

Pablo Franco Martin wants to make history with AmaZulu.

The new Usuthu coach has highlighted his ambitions for the club, saying that he’s already proved himself against Orlando Pirates before. The 43-year-old also explained that he wanted to make history with the KwaZulu-Natal side going forward, Sports Brief reported.

Martin said he wanted to show fans a team that was more aggressive, more committed in defence, and working harder in reaction to the game.

Authors
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Byron Pillay
Byron Pillay is a sports writer and Head of the Department at Sports Brief (joined in 2022) with over 10 years of experience in community journalism and a degree in journalism from Caxton's Cadet School.
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South AfricaDStv Premiership