I know nothing about move, says coach

CHIPPA United coach Dan Malesela has swatted aside rumours that he is to become the new Orlando Pirates coach.

Malesela, who has been linked with the job for four months now, irritably dismissed such reports and said he knew nothing about it.

The former Buccaneers skip- per has been aligned with the position since the departure of Muhsin Ertugral‚ who resigned to leave Augusto Palacios as caretaker coach in November.

Bucs chairman Irvin Khoza has said Pirates’ new coach would be named on Monday.

The search has become even more rushed now after the disappointing 6-0 defeat of Pirates by Mamelodi Sundowns at the weekend.

“I don’t know anything about this [Bucs move],” Malesela said after the 1-1 draw against Sundowns on Tuesday night.

“You know how under pressure I was coming into this game, because people in Johannesburg and in Pretoria made it [the move] seem like it was done and dusted.

“It has been made like it is done and dusted – and we are just waiting for somebody to accept the money – and I’m going and all these things.

“It would be premature of me, I think, to leave now and go to any other club and leave these boys here while we are trying to build something.

“If for some or other reason in the end I am probably forced to leave, it will be very sad,” Malesela said.

“It is a compliment to me for what has been achieved over the year. It is good to be wanted and not to be fired,” Malesela said jokingly‚ referring to Chippa United’s notoriously itchy trigger finger with coaches.

The transition from Roger Sikhakhane to Malesela midway through the league last season saw the Chilli Boys finish in sixth place and qualify for the MTN 8 competition.