NFD side Mthatha Bucks offloaded head coach Julius Dube from their sinking ship yesterday and the search for Dube’s replacement is in full swing.
According to several high-ranking club officials, the names that have been bandied about include the likes of Veza Dyaloyi, Kosta Papic, recently sacked ex-Maritzburg United mentor Mandla Ncikazi, former Bafana Bafana international Shaun Bartlett and the flamboyant erswhile Baroka FC coach Sello Chokoe.
Only one of the aforementioned names had been contacted by the club at the time of writing, that being Dyaloyi who has shown interest in the job.
The rest could not immediately say whether they would agree to take the hot seat or not if approached.
Dyaloyi though is currently in the employ of Chippa United as head coach for their reserve side that is taking part in the Multichoice Diski Challenge.
Bucks COO Doctor Tukute confirmed that the list of potential candidates was a long one that will be streamlined today to about three names before the final decision is made not later than next Monday.
According to Tukute, the club is looking for someone with the capabilities to lift up the club from the NFD log basement they have been languishing at since the start of the 2015-16 season.
“We are looking for a coach who will restore the pride and the dignity of the club first and pull us out of the relegation zone,” said Tukute.
One of recognised names, Bartlett, who led Golden Arrows to a PSL return this season has ruled himself out.
“I have not been contacted by anyone from Mthatha Bucks, even if I do get that call at the current moment the U23 national team takes priority.”
Chokoe said he would agree to make the move, albeit with strict terms and conditions.
This is not the first time Bucks have flirted with the idea of roping in Chokoe who rose to fame by beating Kaizer Chiefs while a Baroka FC coach four years ago.
They approached him three months ago the first time Dube was shown the door but the two parties could not agree on terms.
Chokoe said: “As a coach you must have your objectives as any club has its own objectives.
“If those two can reconcile then one can always take the job but you must be careful especially when the club is down there in the logstandings because you will be expected to perform miracles while you do not necessarily have the tools to assist you,” he added.
“It is not always about the coach but there is the factor of players but it is an interesting job and now I am available provided we agree on some issues.”
Dyaloyi excitedly said he would jump at the opportunity to mentor Bucks saying “anything for the Eastern Cape” but with him the deal-breaker will be his employers - Chippa United. Papic and Ncikazi could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.
The outgoing Dube wished the club well but was doubtful if his successor will find any success “as long as the NFD U23 players policy remains valid”.
Bucks are at the logstandings basement with just four points from 10 matches and are yet to win a single game having managed four draws and six defeats.
Under-fire Bucks boss gets boot
According to several high-ranking club officials, the names that have been bandied about include the likes of Veza Dyaloyi, Kosta Papic, recently sacked ex-Maritzburg United mentor Mandla Ncikazi, former Bafana Bafana international Shaun Bartlett and the flamboyant erswhile Baroka FC coach Sello Chokoe.
Only one of the aforementioned names had been contacted by the club at the time of writing, that being Dyaloyi who has shown interest in the job.
The rest could not immediately say whether they would agree to take the hot seat or not if approached.
Dyaloyi though is currently in the employ of Chippa United as head coach for their reserve side that is taking part in the Multichoice Diski Challenge.
Bucks COO Doctor Tukute confirmed that the list of potential candidates was a long one that will be streamlined today to about three names before the final decision is made not later than next Monday.
According to Tukute, the club is looking for someone with the capabilities to lift up the club from the NFD log basement they have been languishing at since the start of the 2015-16 season.
“We are looking for a coach who will restore the pride and the dignity of the club first and pull us out of the relegation zone,” said Tukute.
One of recognised names, Bartlett, who led Golden Arrows to a PSL return this season has ruled himself out.
“I have not been contacted by anyone from Mthatha Bucks, even if I do get that call at the current moment the U23 national team takes priority.”
Chokoe said he would agree to make the move, albeit with strict terms and conditions.
This is not the first time Bucks have flirted with the idea of roping in Chokoe who rose to fame by beating Kaizer Chiefs while a Baroka FC coach four years ago.
They approached him three months ago the first time Dube was shown the door but the two parties could not agree on terms.
Chokoe said: “As a coach you must have your objectives as any club has its own objectives.
“If those two can reconcile then one can always take the job but you must be careful especially when the club is down there in the logstandings because you will be expected to perform miracles while you do not necessarily have the tools to assist you,” he added.
“It is not always about the coach but there is the factor of players but it is an interesting job and now I am available provided we agree on some issues.”
Dyaloyi excitedly said he would jump at the opportunity to mentor Bucks saying “anything for the Eastern Cape” but with him the deal-breaker will be his employers - Chippa United. Papic and Ncikazi could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.
The outgoing Dube wished the club well but was doubtful if his successor will find any success “as long as the NFD U23 players policy remains valid”.
Bucks are at the logstandings basement with just four points from 10 matches and are yet to win a single game having managed four draws and six defeats.
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