Smiso Msomi
AmaZulu head coach Pablo Franco Martin has questioned the length of the PSL transfer window ahead of the new season.
The Spanish mentor is set to take charge of his second season at the KwaZulu Natal-based club and has raised ambitions and expectations for his team. “Cijimpi”, as he's known to the Usuthu faithful, has used the off-season to reinforce his troops with seven new signings, two of them on loan.
The PSL announced an unprecedented change in the length of the transfer window ahead of the 2021/22 season, citing the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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“On July 1, 2021, Fifa allowed national associations and leagues to extend the registration window period for the 2022/23 season in consequence of the knock-on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” a PSL statement read.
“It was very strange, especially last season because I remember even for us, we signed Ben Motswari after five league games,” Martin said.
“This season, with the league postponement, it’s going to be less games but for me, it’s such a long window to sign players. I’m used to the organisation of Europe and the shorter period of Europe and you have a shorter period to get done.
“I’m not saying it’s bad but I’m also not saying it’s good. It is what it is and we have to adapt.
“Instead of finalising things early, teams are still looking for players and even looking at our players so we have to be aware that players might leave or come in and we need to have plans in place in case any of those happen.”
🐍🟢⚪️ We're thrilled to announce the arrival of Andiswa Sithole from @DurbanCity_FC. Welcome to Usuthu, Jobe!#ThatsPower#HebeUsuthu#UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/Tpgip06zS7
Usuthu’s latest signing is one of the finest talents emerging out of KZN in Andiswa Sithole, who joined from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Durban City (formerly known as Maritzburg United).
Martin is hoping that the energetic 21-year-old can turn it up in the Betway Premiership and replicate the displays of the likes of Mlondi Mbanjwa, having impressed since his arrival at the club.
Mbanjwa’s development was fast-tracked and he did enough to earn a call-up to the national team.
“I think he’s bringing something fresh. He can be naughty on the field; you give him the ball and you’re expecting anything to happen,” he said of Sithole.
“We had other plans for him but now we are changing our minds. That happened last season as well with Mbanjwa, who was a player that was coming from the second division and you already know the rest with him. “
AmaZulu will kick off their season away at Polokwane City on Saturday.