Heric relishes NFD challenge

Sibongiseni Gumbi

Vladislav Heric is back where his expertise is seriously needed – in the National First Division (NFD) helping teams win promotion to the top flight.

The Serb has left a cushy job at Ajax Cape Town where he was in charge of the reserves who play in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge and joined Cape Town All Stars with a clear mandate of guiding the Gugulethu-based club into the Absa Premiership.

“It is maybe my calling in life,” said Heric with a chuckle yesterday. “It is a pity that when the team gets to the top league they opt for a different coach,” added the former Maritzburg United and Chippa United mentor.

Heric has previously guided the Chilli Boys and Polokwane City to the top flight and he hopes to do the same with Igugu leKapa.

“The mandate in this division is the same for every coach – get the team to the top league. I am up for it. For now I want to make sure we are in the top three before the Christmas break so we can come up with a plan for the second round and see if we can’t push all the way to finish top,” he said.

Heric commended his predecessor David Kannemeyer for the work he did as he found them in great shape and only had to tinker with little things. The team had a dream start under Kannemeyer and were on top of the standings after three games but things stalled soon after which led to the former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender being axed.

In his first match, Heric guided the team to an unbelievable 1-0 win over Jomo Cosmos – playing with nine men for 37 minutes in the second half.

“I worked on their mentality. It is important for players to be mentally fit. If the mind is willing, the body and everything else will follow suit,” he said.

Igugu leKapa are away to Mthatha Bucks this afternoon and Heric said they have done their homework on Ian Palmer’s team. “Palmer is a very experienced coach and he should be respected.”