Pinnacles getting new coach
New head coach Marinus Barendregt makes his debut on the touchline for the Penticton Tim Hortons Pinnacles this Sunday and it starts with a stiff challenge.
Barendregt and the Pinnacles welcome undefeated Vancouver United FC to King’s Park in a 2 p.m. kickoff in what will be Penticton’s final home game of the Pacific Coast Soccer League Premier Men’s Division season.
Barendregt has served as head coach of Holland’s Excelsior Rotterdam under-19 team since 2015 and recently got his UEFA “A” coaching licence.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how the players react,” said Manuel Borba, who served as interim coach for the first six games until Barendregt’s much-anticipated arrival from Holland this week.
“It’s an honour to play for a professional coach. He evaluated the players at practice (Thursday night) and he has the full authority to pick the team he wants for Sunday.”
Borba said it will be beneficial as coaches to get feedback from Barendregt on what the club needs to improve and work on going forward.
“For the players, hopefully it gives them another boost of confidence,” said Borba. “Just go out and play free, enjoy yourselves and not be intimidated.”
It will not be easy against Vancouver (4-0-2), who sit two points behind first-place Khalsa Sporting Club with a game in hand.
“There are no weak teams in this league. It may help us that they are playing in Kamloops the night before.” said Borba. “All the other times the visiting teams have played the first game of their Okanagan trips here. Hopefully, we catch them a bit tired.
“Regardless, it’s a great chance for Marinus to assess what we have playing a top opponent.”
The Pinnacles are in last place with a 1-4-1 mark, but Borba said they are still in with a chance to make the playoffs with three teams tied at 10 points and Mid-Isle Mariners sitting at five.
“Obviously, we’d have to get on a run and win some games on the road,” said Borba.
He noted Penticton’s best performance of the year came in their lone road game — against Khalsa — as they fought back for a 2-2 tie with the league leaders.
Barendregt will coach the last five games all on the road.
“It will be a good chance for him to get out and see a bit more of the province,” said Borba.