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AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin has praised the cameo of Ivory Coast striker Junior Dion, who came on in the second half to score twice as they beat Cape Town City 3-2 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday in a come-from-behind victory.
Dion replaced Augustine Kwem in the 46th minute in what was his first appearance this season, having been hampered by an injury, and showed his predator touch, levelling things in added time to make it 2-2.
He was not done though, blasting from close range after a few blocks inside the box by Eric Tinkler’s boys to fire the winner, ensuring Usuthu remain unbeaten at home.
It was AmaZulu’s second successive of the season, moving them to fourth on the DStv Premiership table with nine points after six matches, and the return of Dion excited Martin.
“He [Dion] was the top scorer last season, especially when you look at the average minutes and the number of goals,” said Martin after the game when asked by iDiski Times how important it was to see the former Marumo Gallants striker back.
“Now that he is back, we are capable of scoring goals and we are waiting for the other one we signed [Yakhouba Barry] but because of a medical check, we didn’t sign him at the end and you know the story.
“But I already said this week I’m happy with the players we have, I’m happy with the squad. I know we are going to keep on improving and we respect the project.”
As Usuthu moved to fourth on the table, Martin said he’s happy his team have climbed up the log, with fourth place being the mandate of the club’s president Sandile Zungu since he took over in October 2020.
“[If] we are finishing today in the league, we are in fourth position,” added Martin.
“In terms of position, I can say that I’m content. But in terms of performance, in terms of what I want to see from the team, what I want to show you guys, the fans, to myself because I want to have joy when I’m watching the games, we are still far from there.”
AmaZulu next visit Polokwane City at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday (15:00).