Jonevret just loves winning, and he wants Pirates to get that feeling of making history

JOHANNESBURG: The Nedbank Cup is Orlando Pirates’ only chance of winning silverware in what has been a disastrous 2016/17 campaign –by their lofty standards.

Kjell Jonevret, pictured, who stepped into the coaching role halfway through the season, promised that the Sea Robbers will no longer lose matches by ridiculous scorelines like 6-1 (against SuperSport United) or 6-0 (against Mamelodi Sundowns), for as long as he is around at the club.

In truth, the Swedish-born coach brought some form of direction to the camp, helping them reach the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup. They lock horns with Lamontville Golden Arrows on Sunday at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban, (kickoff 3pm).

A true test for Jonevret though, will be whether he will be able to inspire his side to produce a win over Arrows, a side who eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars (both 1-0), to reach their first semi-final this season.

Jonevret, speaking at a Pirates training session at the Rand Stadium yesterday, said he had confidence in his side to come out victorious.

“I’ll tell you now, losing 6-0 or 6-1 in a match is no fun for any coach or player,” Jonevret said.

“We haven’t had that for a while now and hopefully we are not going to have such an experience in the future. No more.

“I’ve been in seven cup finals both as a player and a coach. And I remember each one.

“I just love winning. The feeling of going into the locker room after having won a match, even if is after against EC Bees in the first round (of the Nedbank Cup)... that’s a fantastic feeling.

“But we have to channel our focus on beating Arrows. That’s our goal.

“It will be a good memory for the players, the coaching staff and the supporters as well (should they reach the final),” Jonevret added.

“It also serves as a chance to be remembered for a long time, probably for the rest of their lives. It’s also an opportunity to rediscover the magic.

“That’s the way I see it. They need to go out there and win that game.”

Meanwhile, Jonevret said he still entertains the hope that his side can finish in the top eight, although they have a single game remaining.

Pirates are 11th on the standings with 33 points, just three points behind Ajax who are eighth with 36 points also from 29 matches. “We have played so many games that were good in terms of how we performed,” Jonevret said. “But, the results haven’t been coming our way.”