I fell in love with SA people

Having recently parted ways with Saudi Arabian side Al-Faisaly FC, Spanish coach Pablo Franco Martin has been linked with several teams, including Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. Martin ended his relationship with the Saudi First Division League side after helping them survive relegation and is now considering opportunities across various continents. In an interview with Soccer Laduma's Clifton Mabasa, the Madrid-born tactician reflected on his time in the Gulf region as well as his previous stint in South Africa, where he spent at least 14 months at the helm of Betway Premiership side AmaZulu FC. Among other issues, the former Getafe coach also revealed that a move to the Buccaneers had once been on the cards but ultimately fell through despite initial interest from the club.

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CM: This could mean your return to South African football is imminent, right?

PM: I fell in love with South Africa and its people. I know I will be back someday, but not to any team. I want a solid project, in a great club, with the same ambition I have and the objective of fighting for championships, which is what I am more used to.

CM: And news that you could be joining Pirates is swirling around...

PM: Since I came to Africa, where I first coached Simba SC in Tanzania, I have been linked or approached by Raja Casablanca, AS FAR Rabat, Esperance de Tunis, Horoya AC, Ahly Tripoli and Orlando Pirates. I think it is normal that big teams in the continent show interest because I coached Getafe in the LaLiga as well as working for Real Madrid. I won championships in different countries and wherever we work, we always show our commitment, capacity, and our human side.

CM: You have already mentioned in other interviews that you nearly joined Pirates while you were at Simba SC. What made the potential deal collapse?

PM: To be honest, it was just a matter of timing. For me, when I am in the middle of a project (the time I was at Simba SC), I like to finish what I have started. It is a matter of respect for the club that gave me the chance and trust at that moment. After two weeks, it was a coincidence that we got to face Pirates in the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup, where we lost the tie on penalties. We beat them 1-0 at home and they beat us with the same score away, so it was just a matter of timing. I think my teams always competed very well against Pirates, even when we were pretty inferior in terms of quality and resources.

CM: You mentioned that this time around you want a championship-winning team, and that could be Pirates, Sundowns and Chiefs...