Bacela plea: Give Kjell time

Former Orlando Pirates striker Lennox Bacela believes Kjell Jonevret (above) can turn the Buccaneers’ ship around, but says the Swede must be given time to adapt to his new surroundings.

Jonevret was appointed as the new head coach on Monday, a surprising choice by club chairman Irvin Khoza, particularly as the 54-year-old has no experience of South African football.

“In my personal opinion it is a good appointment,” said Bacela, however, who remains in contact with the Pirates squad.

“If you look at the past, like with Ruud Krol, it has worked for the club. What they needed was someone with a new face and new ideas, and who gives the players a chance to prove themselves as worthy.

“I have been speaking to the players, I spoke to them after the Sundowns game (Pirates lost 6-0 at Loftus Versfeld). Everyone felt like the team needed something different.”

Krol won the domestic treble with Pirates in the 2010/11 season, but he did take some time to adjust after signing in 2008.

“It would be unrealistic to expect him (Jonevret) to implement his style immediately and to win a league and cup. I would urge the fans to give him a few months to get his feet on the ground. I don’t think Ruud Krol won anything in his first season in charge, I hope the fans give him the backing he needs – and the players as well,” added Bacela.

Khoza also made mention of Jonevret’s Swedish temperament on announcing him as coach, stressing that he needs someone to stabilise the team. This did seem in direct reaction to the temperamental coaching style of Muhsin Ertugral, who resigned in November.