Fredericks calls for continuity and stability from Soweto giants

Stanton Fredericks (right) believes producing and signing better players and giving a coach time are some key ingredients if his former clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are to turn the tide regarding their dwindling fortunes.

Chiefs are certain to finish a second season in a row without a trophy under Steve Komphela, while Pirates are in the Nedbank Cup semifinals – they face Golden Arrows this weekend – but are struggling to end a disastrous league campaign in the top eight.

Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza was forced to appoint a new coach after the Buccaneers’ embarrassing 6-2 loss to SuperSport United that led to Muhsin Ertugral’s resignation last year, and another 6-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns followed under caretaker coach Augusto Palacios, before Swede Kjell Jonevret was given the job in February.

Pirates actually have a healthier-looking squad than Chiefs, but all the coaches that have taken charge this season have battled to find consistency.

“They need the right man to put all the quality they have in the squad into a team. You find a team that has a lot of individuals, and when a team is struggling, you find that the squad is pulling in different directions – with any team that has success you will find cameraderie. The coach needs to do that to bring the squad together.”

And Fredericks believes Jonevret can be that man, if he is given enough time.

“A lot of thought goes into selecting a coach. You have placed your faith in him so give him time,” added the former Bafana Bafana midfielder.

Amakhosi and the Buccaneers also look to have fallen off the pace in the transfer market, with the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits and even SuperSport United building more competitive squads.

Steve Komphela’s Chiefs have not been able to keep the pace in the title race despite a bright start to the year and have the added disappointment this season of failing to get anywhere in the knockout competitions as well. Chiefs did reach two cup finals under Komphela last season, though they lost both.