AmaZulu created quite the buzz at the King Shaka International Airport by welcoming Pablo Franco Martin in true Zulu style.
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What's the story?
AmaZulu's board and supporters welcomed Spaniard Pablo Franco Martin in true Zulu traditional style at the King Shaka International Airport yesterday.
The 43-year-old mentor was presented with a jersey on arrival with his new nickname 'Cijimpi' at the back, we'll also look at the meaning behind that name.
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Let's take a closer look...
Usuthu welcome new head coach
Usuthu head honcho Sandile Zungu was present with a plethora of AmaZulu's supporters to welcome Pablo Franco Martin at the airport.
The former Getafe head coach touched down in Durban to plenty song and dance from Zulu traditional performers, who made Martin's arrival a lively one through uk'sina and pulsating drumming.
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The club's chairman, Zungu, reassured the new head coach that the AmaZulu faithful is fully behind him and was seen holding a Zulu shield called "ihawu", while donning some traditional headwear, "umqhele", fully immersing the ex-Real Madrid assistant coach into the club's culture that's steeped in Zulu tradition.
Take a look at the ceremonious welcome:
Here's AmaZulu's CEO Sinenjabulo Zungu pictured at the airport to welcome their new head coach:
The meaning behind Pablo Franco Martin's nickname
The club has given their new head coach a nickname, Cijimpi, which basically means "The one who prepares for war".
An apt nickname given that Usuthu are eager to fight for a top four place in the DStv Premiership next season after a 12th place finish in a disappointing 2022/23 season where they had three different coaches in the hot seat.
Here's how Cijimpi reacted to his Usuthu appointment:
Have your say on Pablo Franco Martin's welcome to Durban and his nickname...
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