Kjell Jonevret Orlando Pirates

Zondi: Jonevret can endear himself to Orlando Pirates fans by winning Nedbank Cup

Legendary Orlando Pirates defender Ronnie Zondi believes that head coach Kjell Jonevret, 54, can endear himself to the club's fans by winning the Nedbank Cup.

The Swedish tactician, who won the Allsvenskan league and Svenska Cupen double in his home country, was appointed in February, 2016 and he's expected to guide Pirates to a respectable position this season.

"It's true that Jonevret is not under pressure to do wonders for Pirates at this stage of the season, since he took over at a later stage," Zondi told Vodacom Soccer.

"But, the fact is that Bucs' supporters are hard to please, they are die-hards of South African football.

Bucs recently ended their long winless run under Jonevret by beating ABC Motsepe League side EC Bees in the Nedback Cup and they advanced to the last 16 where they will take on Free State Stars next week Saturday.

"The Bucs' faithful may have already come to terms with the team's slip-up in the league title race," he continued.

"But it's an undeniable fact that they are desperate to see their beloved team clinch the Nedbank Cup to end a turbulent season on a high.

"It will require patience because it is no quick fix. Yes, it will require patience for him to change the team's fortunes, but he must have already realised by now that Pirates is not an ordinary team, but a title-chasing team," Zondi added. 

"Yes, a top-six finish may be OK for him and team's management this season, but come next season the expectations are likely to be even higher. 

"So, the man can endear himself to the Bucs' faithful a little bit earlier than expected by winning this only remaining cup, the Nedbank Cup," he concluded.

Article continues below
Advertisement