Jelusic masterminds Celtic renaissance

Just a few months ago, Bloemfontein Celtic were battling to remain in top-flight football.

The Free State side survived the axe in the 2016/17 season as they went on to finish 12th, but just two points separated them and relegated Highlands Park.

Prior to the start of the new season, the club announced that Serb Veselin Jelusic (right) would take over the reins from caretaker coach Lehlohonolo Seema. And the results have been brilliant, with Jelusic already offering up an unlikely title challenge.

Celtic occupy fourth spot in the table, with 15 points from nine games and they are in the semifinals of the Telkom Knockout. Jelusic’s hard work was recognised by the PSL yesterday as they handed him the Coach-ofthe the-Month award for October in which they won three of their four league games.

“We have teamwork, which is a very important approach. We have a few new players together with the players that have been here before and they have contributed a lot to have better results at moment,” said Jelusic.

“We are in a quite good position at the moment, but the season is very long and we know that it will be a very tough competition. So, our aim is to continue to work the same way and to try to get anything that is possible.”

He added that the support from the club’s fans is vital and reckons the Absa Premiership is one of the best leagues on the planet.

“The support from our supporters is very important, and I am very happy that at the moment they can be happy and proud about our performances and results,” he continued.

“I have been in Africa since 1992, Angola and Botswana. So it is not really new, there is not much difference and I am very happy to be in Africa. This league is one of the best in the world regarding the organisational aspects from all sides.”