Share

Pirates shock with little-known Swede as new coach

Cape Town - After nearly four months without a head coach, Orlando Pirates have finally revealed the name of their next mentor.

On Monday, club chairperson Irvin Khoza announced that 54-year-old Swede Kjell Jonevret will be the new head coach of the Buccaneers.

The 54-year-old hails from Sweden and has previously coached Norwegian clubs Molde FK and Viking FK.

"I would like to say that I know SA football fantastically well. But I have been down here to watch a few games," said Jonevret at the press conference in Johannesburg.

"I am looking forward to this a lot and it will be fantastic. I am really honoured to be standing here."

It took a 6-0 league defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns and disgruntled fans to display their unhappiness in no uncertain terms, for Khoza to last week confirm that a new coach would be named.

Buccaneers' fans at Loftus Versfeld halted the match against Sundowns in the 82nd minute by taking to the field of play.

Players and technical staff rushed towards the tunnel for safety as the match was brought to a premature end.

However, the match resumed after it took nearly an hour to bring calm to the situation.

In November last year, Muhsin Ertugral opted to jump ship after SuperSport United handed the Buccaneers a 6-1 hiding.

The former Ajax Cape Town coach announced on live television in his post-match interview that he would hand in his resignation.

Khoza went on to say that the club were in search for someone who will educate the players and not give up as soon as the going gets tough

"We hope that the new coach has new ways that he can show us. We want coaches who are tutors not traitors," said Khoza.

"Coaches are like an arranged marriage, you go for the best.

"He will be introduced soon after this to the rest of the technical team.

"I think the most important thing is to improve the player's confidence and to stabilise the team."

The Buccaneers next fixture is against Polokwane City in an Absa Premiership clash.

Kick-off is at 15:30 on Saturday, February 25.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1148 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1329 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2033 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE