Pablo Franco Martin poised to take over at African giants Esperance

Former AmaZulu FC coach Pablo Franco Martin is set to become head coach of Esperance de Tunis, having been unveiled by the club following his title-winning season in Morocco.

Former AmaZulu FC coach Pablo Franco Martin has been unveiled as the new head coach of Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis. The 46-year-old Spaniard took the job after turning down interest from other North African sides.

Before the appointment was confirmed, sources close to the Spanish tactician had said "the club is very interested in appointing him and has already put an offer on the table." Martin had been without a club since leaving MAS Fes. He had previously rejected approaches from Egyptian side Al Masry and Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca, preferring to wait for the right project.

Martin’s journey from AmaZulu to North African success

Martin joined AmaZulu ahead of the 2023/24 season on a three-year deal but departed after 15 months, having overseen 39 matches. His record in Durban showed 12 wins, 12 draws and 15 defeats. He moved to Morocco with MAS Fes and immediately made a huge impact, guiding them to the Botola Pro title. That triumph ended a 41-year wait for the club and saw them beat established powers like Raja Casablanca, Wydad Athletic Club and RS Berkane.

That success has now paved the way for his biggest challenge yet. Esperance de Tunis recently parted ways with their previous coach and have moved quickly to secure Martin. A brief social media video on Saturday showed him at the club's facilities with the caption 'Welcome coach', indicating he has already begun taking charge of training.

His new task will be to guide Esperance to success in domestic competitions and the CAF Champions League. The move comes as his former club, AmaZulu, are enjoying a strong start to their own campaign. Usuthu currently sit third in the standings with 16 points from seven games, just four points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their recent form reads WWWLW, including a 1-0 win over Polokwane City last month, and they face Durban City next in the league.

Martin's appointment at one of Africa's most prestigious clubs marks a significant next chapter in a career that has spanned Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Morocco. The former AmaZulu coach now aims to win continental silverware with Esperance de Tunis.