Cape Town - Bloemfontein Celtic coach Veselin Jelusic says that a stronger squad and an all-round team effort have been behind their flying start to the season.
Phunya Sele Sele battled last season in the league and finished only one point above the relegation zone.
The arrival of Serbia-born coach Jelusic has, however, brought a change of fortunes - a third of the way into the season and the Free State side are in fourth position and only two points behind leaders Baroka FC.
Speaking after he was awarded the Absa Premiership Coach of the Month for October, Jelusic says it's been an all-round effort which has propelled Celtic's success, with some squad reinforcements particularly important.
"There are several reasons that we got some good results currently," he was quoted saying by KickOff website.
"One of them is for sure teamwork. The second one, this season, we have new players and together with the players that played before. Now we are stronger and a competitive team.
"The third one is what we have been doing at training, trying to improve the aspect of the game - technical, tactical, physical and psychological.
"The fourth one is the strategical approach, to have a good balance in the team regarding all qualities of our players."
Jelusic went on to thank the players and his colleagues for their efforts.
"I will take this award as a reward for our teamwork because we have been working together all the time as a team," he said.
"Starting from our players to the coaching team, including our technical director. All our assistant coaches in all our departments, including the medical department, technical support, our management and our chairman who has given support any moment and our supporters. They deserve the results we have at the moment."