Pirates last chance for silverware

THE Nedbank Cup is the only trophy Orlando Pirates have a chance of winning, after a disastrous season.

Kjell Jonevret, who stepped into the coaching role halfway through this season, promised that no more would the Sea Robbers lose their matches by ridiculous scorelines such as 6-1 (against SuperSport United) or 6-0 (against Mamelodi Sundowns), as long as he was at the club.

In truth, the Swedish-born coach brought in some form of direction at the Sea Robbers’ camp, helping them to reach the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup and they are expected to lock horns with Lamontville Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

A true test for Jonevret will be whether he is able to inspire his side to produce a win against Arrows, a side which speared past Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars (1-0 wins), to help them reach their first ever final this season.

Jonevret, who was speaking at Pirates training grounds at Rand Stadium yesterday, said he had full confidence in his side.

“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 is seven Cup finals, both as player and a coach. And I remember every single one of them. I just love winning. The feeling of going into the locker room after having won a match, even after our win against EC Bees in our first round (of the Nedbank Cup), it was a fantastic feeling.

“But first we have to channel our focus on beating Golden Arrows. That’s what we need to do if we are going to stand a chance of reaching the final of this Cup competition.

“It will be a good memory for the players, the coaching staff and the supporters as well,” Jonevret said.

“It also serves as a chance for them not to be remembered for a long time. And that’s just the way how I see it. They need to go out there and do everything in their power to win that game.”