De Sa’s advice to new Pirates coach

Jonevret was a surprise appointment this week by chairman Irvin Khoza, and is on the bench for the first time for today’s game at home to Polokwane City.

Pirates have had a fractious season, with Muhsin Ertugral resigning at the start of November after a 6-1 hammering by SuperSport United and caretaker coach Augusto Palacios presiding over a run of nine league and cup games without a win.

The whole situation has made De Sa’s time at Pirates, where they didn’t win a trophy but reached three cup finals, including the 2013 Caf Champions League final, look positively glorious.

“I don’t know about his experience and everything else, but he (Jonevret) is quite different,” said De Sa.

“A lot of things are good and a lot of things are unique to Pirates that he has to be open about. He has to fit in and make it work.”

Ertugral’s style of coaching clearly didn’t work, and Khoza seems to have gone for someone he believes will be more of a father figure.

“If you look at the guys who have had success at Pirates, it has tended to be those types of guys – a father figure who can provide guidance and boost confidence is probably better,” added De Sa.

The current Maritzburg United coach admits he has been a little surprised by the troubles afflicting Pirates.

“I was quite surprised at some of the players they released.

“Obviously a few players have come in, with a new coach as well, and it could have gone either way. I think they will get it right. I think they have just had a bit of a wobble, like Kaizer Chiefs, they had a bit of a wobble and they have turned it around.”