Bucs angered by Jonevret

Orlando Pirates have accused Kjell Jonevret (below) of treating the Buccaneers head coaching post as a “hobby,” in a strongly-worded response to his comments on Swedish television.

The Buccaneers confirmed the resignation of Jonevret on August 2, less than six months after the Swede had taken up the post. On the same day, Jonevret spoke to Sweden’s Fotbollskanalen.

“It was difficult to make my voice heard. It’s a big club with very many who want to be involved and make decisions. The political aspect is extraordinary in the club,” he said.

“You want so much to help but you really cannot. I felt I could not continue as it was and felt it was best I leave. So I quit.

“I still feel incredibly lucky to keep up with my hobby. If any club is interested in me then I will listen to them.”

Pirates seemed to take particular exception to this last line, responding in a statement yesterday that: “It will help for him to realise that when he was busy pursuing a hobby, all around him were hard at work trying to return the club to its winning ways.”

The Buccaneers also pointed to a confidentiality clause in Jonevret’s contract that they clearly feel he has broken.

“Mr Kjell Jonevret obviously respects neither the letter nor the spirit of the contract and the employee handbook,” said the club.

“The truth is that Mr Kjell Jonevret failed his probation and Orlando Pirates Football Club had informed him both in a review meeting and in writing, following which he tendered his resignation.”

The Buccaneers yesterday also said the contracts of midfielders Maselealo Seanego, Roger Majafa, and Lindokuhle Mtshali and wingers Donald Makondolela and Sello Jaftha have been terminated by mutual consent.

The club added that they had opted not to renew the contract of striker Siyanda Ngubo.