Clinton Larsen has set the record straight on his recent links with the AmaZulu FC job. The Magesi mentor was heavily tipped to take over the reins at Usuthu after the dismissal of Pablo Franco Martin.
Usuthu targeted Larsen to replace Martin who was fired after just three straight losses. The Spaniard left AmaZulu languishing at the basement of the Betway Premiership table.
However, nothing came out of the Durban side’s interest in the veteran coach. The former Golden Arrows and Polokwane City mentor stayed put at the newly promoted Limpopo side. The Sandile Zungu-owned side eventually hired Arthur Zwane and Vusi Vilakazi in a co-coaching set-up.
Magesi’s recent form has been impressive. They stunned Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup and held Kaizer Chiefs in a thrilling 2-2 draw. Amakhosi had to come back from two goals down, courtesy of a Mduduzi Shabalala brace.
Larsen’s guidance has been crucial to the team’s success, and his decision to remain at Magesi seems to have paid off.
WHAT CLINTON LARSEN SAID ABOUT THE AMAZULU LINKS
Larsen said it was flattering “to have been associated with a big team like AmaZulu”. However, he revealed that there were no talks at all between him and the club.
Magesi chairman Solly Makhubela echoed Larsen’s sentiments, confirming that there had been no official approach from AmaZulu.
“I was very flattered to have been associated with a big team like AmaZulu. But you know, I did not speak to anybody [from AmaZulu]. I’ve got a two-year contract here at Magesi, and I’m focusing on my work here,” he told FARPost.
Meanwhile, Magesi face TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday in their last eight Carling Knockout clash. Larsen said that 3-2 win over the Buccaneers serves as an example of how they can upset any team in the league.
“The result against Orlando Pirates is a huge confidence booster, and it just goes to show that if a game plan is well executed, you can beat any team in the league. You’ve got to take your chances,” he explained.
“And that day, we created five or six very good chances. We took three. So, it’s a matter of being clinical and taking your chances when playing against top teams. That’s what we’ve done. We’ve got to build on that performance.”
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