Will new Bucs coach last?
FOREIGN coaches have been burnt by the Orlando Pirates hot seat, but new coach Kjell Jonevret wants to be “the beautiful bride” in what he hopes will be a long lasting relationship.
Ruud Krol is the last coach, foreign or local, to see out a three-year contract at Pirates, while those who have come after the Dutchman did not last longer than a year.
Julio Leal, the Brazilian who succeeded Krol, lasted just over half of the 2011/2012 season despite winning the Telkom Knockout and the MTN 8.
Vladimir Vermezovic was appointed in 2014 – on Valentine’s Day – but the love affair ended by December that year, even after winning the Nedbank Cup in May.
Muhsin Ertugral resigned on live television after a 6-1 defeat to SuperSport United in November last year, just five months after he was appointed.
So as new Pirates coach Jonevret takes over, the question is: how long will he last?
The Swede, who has signed a three-year deal, joins in the middle of the season and must hit the ground running to win over the Pirates fans who have not celebrated a win since November.
“I want to stay long. I hope I can be the beautiful bride,” said the 54-yearold, as he and club chairman Irvin Khoza described the appointment as a “marriage”.
“Clubs change coaches in the middle of the season, so it’s normal. I am not a fan of kicking [firing] coaches and I don’t think you get results directly. But in this case it could be good for players to listen to a new voice. It’s not going to be a quick fix.”
Jonevret has identified the defence as an area to work on. Pirates have conceded 27 goals in 17 league matches, so it’s about working on the confidence of players.
“I like to play a passing game, but we must be organised in defence. The team has conceded some stupid goals and that affects the offence. I have seen them play and this is a talented group of players. They are just low in confidence.
“We have to try win as soon as possible, so we can get some smiles in the locker room. We are in 10th place, so I think it’s stupid to talk about medals now. Let’s play a few games and see.”
Jonevret will be assisted by Harold Legodi after Bradley Carnell accepted an offer to take up an undisclosed position abroad. Benson Mhlongo remains a second assistant.
Jonevret’s first five games
“I like to play a passing game, but we must be organised
v Polokwane City (Home), Saturday v Kaizer Chiefs (Away), March 4 v SuperSport United (H), March 7 v EC Bees (A - Cup), March 12 v Free State Stars (A), April 1.