Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates' chairperson Irvin Khoza said the decision to hire Julio Leal was proving to be an astute one for the club in the long-term.
Speaking in Johannesburg on Tuesday, where Pirates announced a three-year sponsorship deal with French car manufacturers Peugeot, Khoza said Leal's appointment was starting to bear fruit after initial negative reactions.
"Sometimes you have to take decisions that are not popular," said Khoza.
"What we did [as management] was decisive leadership."
The Brazilian took over the reigns in June after Pirates opted not to renew the contract of treble-winning coach Ruud Krol at the end of last season.
"We had reached a point where we felt that he [Krol] would not be able to take us forward."
Leal's calm and more approachable manner is popular with the squad who won the MTN8 trophy last weekend - their first cup final victory over Soweto arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs since 1988.
It was also the club's fourth title out of a possible five in the last year.
Leal has allowed his players more freedom to express themselves on the field, which is a strong part of his philosophy.
When naming the former AmaZulu and Moroka Swallows coach in a press conference three months ago, Khoza emphasised the need to see a more entertaining brand of football.
Pirates are also in contention for the CAF Champions League this season and remain the only Southern African team to have won the top club competition, having won it in 1995.
Pirates meet Chiefs for the second week in a row, this time in the league, and Khoza said he was pleased to see the league derby was growing in popularity again after it appeared to have lost its sparkle.
"People thought that the derby was not the same," Khoza said.
"But this is proof that it is getting more popular and people carry a growing interest in it.
"The guys did well in the final on the weekend, worked very hard and now the next motivation is for this Saturday."
