Latest news with #PabloFrancoMartin
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates lead the ‘Big 3' in the race for HUGE SIGNING!
Orlando Pirates, amid Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs interest, are in pole position for AmaZulu star Tshepang Moremi. 'As I've said, it will all depends on all the talks and negotiations, but it could involve money and player exchange as well,' an inside source revealed. 'The value of the player and what AmaZulu want from Pirates could also determine the whole deal at the day.' The talented left-winger was pivotal to uSuthu's sixth-place finish this season with ten-goal contributions. Moremi is arguably the most sought-after player in the league, and Orlando Pirates have one hand on the prize. Former AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin has emerged as a frontrunner to become Orlando Pirates boss following the departure of Jose Riveiro after three illustrious years. 'There have been talks between Pablo Franco Martin and Orlando Pirates,' an inside source revealed. 'An offer has been made but he is not the only coach the club is looking at and there are other candidates. He is very interested in the Pirates job, and he has since parted ways with the club he was coaching in Saudi Arabia despite being made an offer to increase his salary to renew his contract.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates target former Real Madrid opposition analyst
Orlando Pirates are making ambitious changes to their technical team after the announcement that Jose Riveiro will be leaving. 44-year-old Pablo Franco Martin is a serious candidate for the top coaching job at Pirates. The Madrid-born tactician has held several interesting roles. Those include Opposition Analyst for Real Madrid and Head Coaching posts for Tanzanian side Simba SC, AmaZulu, Kuwaiti outfit Qadsia SC and now Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia's second tier. Click for the story Pablo Franco Martin while at Usuthu. Image: (@AmaZulu/IG) Oswin Appollis suffered a little from 'second-season' syndrome after a breakout campaign in 2023-2024. This term, the Polokwane livewire only managed two goals and an assist from 25 league outings. Hardly earth-shattering numbers for a player expected to win games for his manager. Polokwane improved on last season's eighth-placed finish with a seventh-placed finish this term, so it's not as if his teammates regressed. Appollis claimed six goals and three assists in the league last time out. Chiefs 'land' Appollis, but is he worth it? Maela says goodbye Would you like to see Martin hired as the new Pirates boss? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
7 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Saleng, Mofokeng, Moremi, Martin
Orlando Pirates have an eventful few months before the 2025/26 campaign ignites. The upcoming offseason window could make the difference in achieving league and Champions League glory; it's a time when not only are they on the hunt for stars, but they're also looking for Jose Riveiro's successor. The latter will be hard to replace, someone who revolutionised the club through his youthful approach, winning five trophies in three years. However, it shouldn't insinuate that finding a suitable candidate can't be done. Former AmaZulu FC coach Pablo Franco Martin is the latest name to be linked with the Orlando Pirates. 'There have been talks between Pablo Franco Martin and Orlando Pirates,' an inside source revealed. 'An offer has been made but he is not the only coach the club is looking at and there are other candidates. He is very interested in the Pirates job, and he has since parted ways with the club he was coaching in Saudi Arabia despite being made an offer to increase his salary to renew his contract.' Tshepang Moremi is one of the most sought after players in the league. The uSuthu star has Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates vying for his services. Meanwhile, youngster Relebohile Mofokeng has several foreign suitors trying to lure him – offers are expected throughout the winter window. Egyptian giants Zamelek FC had a R25.8 million bid rejected earlier this year. Forgotten winger Monnapule Saleng appears to be nearing an exit following a near six-month hiatus, however, no clubs are yet to show interest. Orlando Pirates seem to have given up on the Bloemhof-born star Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates identify Spanish boss to replace Riveiro?
Orlando Pirates are keeping things Iberian in their search for a new head coach. Is this the man to replace Jose Riveiro? 'There have been talks between Pablo Franco Martin and Orlando Pirates,' an inside source revealed. 'An offer has been made, but he is not the only coach the club is looking at, and there are other candidates. He is very interested in the Pirates job, and he has since parted ways with the club he was coaching in Saudi Arabia, despite being made an offer to increase his salary to renew his contract.' According to Soccer-Laduma , Orlando Pirates will soon seal a deal for Polokwane City right-back Thabang Matuludi. The same publication sounds less optimistic about their chances of snapping up Bafana winger Oswin Appollis. The 23-year-old reportedly has his heart set on Kaizer Chiefs. Is this a blessing in disguise for the Buccaneers? Click for the latest Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix Would you like to see Martin take the job? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Pirates news: Mokwena and Martin; Mbokazi verdict amid Al Ahly links
Orlando Pirates fans remain in the dark regarding who their new manager will be following the departure of Jose Riveiro. Former PSL coaches Rulani Mokwena and Pablo Franco Martin are reportedly in the race to take over the reins, one of the most coveted roles in African soccer. The former is a proven winner, having led Mamelodi Sundowns to four successive league titles from 2020 to 2024, while the former AmaZulu FC coach Martin experienced success with Qadsia SC in 2020 when they became Kuwait Super Cup champions. According to reports, Orlando Pirates are in talks with the latter, meaning Riveiro's successor could be a fellow Spaniard. 'There have been talks between Pablo Franco Martin and Orlando Pirates,' an inside source revealed. 'An offer has been made but he is not the only coach the club is looking at and there are other candidates. He is very interested in the Pirates job, and he has since parted ways with the club he was coaching in Saudi Arabia despite being made an offer to increase his salary to renew his contract.' Orlando Pirates reported that they will not be entertaining any offers related to starlet Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has enjoyed a breakout year since debuting under Riveiro's command. The Buccaneers response comes after Al Ahly's, Riveiro's suspected new home, confirmed interest in the 19-year-old sensation. 'Al-Ahly club officials have already begun exploring the possibility of signing South African defender Mbekezile Mbokazi during the upcoming summer transfer window, ahead of the Club World Cup, with the player being registered under the exceptional registration period that FIFA announced would open starting next June,' said Sport El Watan. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
