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Johannesburg - Moroka Swallows coach Zeca Marques said on Tuesday he had phoned his good friend Roger de Sa personally to congratulate him on his appointment as new head coach of Orlando Pirates.
The Buccaneers announced the appointment on Monday afternoon.
De Sa replaced Augusto Palacios with immediate effect after Pirates chairperson Irvin Khosa cited health reasons for the Peruvian's exit.
"I'm obviously happy for Roger, he is a personal friend of mine," Marques said.
"I phoned him yesterday and congratulated him.
"I think its an interesting choice. In actual fact, on Saturday night I was talking to some of my friends about Pirates and I said 'well, if there is one coach I would pick if I was the Pirates guy, it would be Roger de Sa'."
Pirates have struggled thus far in the new season, slumping to a 3-0 defeat at home to the Birds last Saturday, while Swallows have continued to show their consistent form from last season with the newly appointed Marques at the helm.
"I think it's good for Pirates. Roger is a good coach," Marques said.
"I think he'll bring an interesting dynamic into the team and I'm glad we played Pirates before Roger went on board, because I think they will be more spirited going forward."
