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ZELA EXCLUSIVE MICHO’S MAGIC
WE HEALED THEIR SOULS
BY ZAAHID NANABHAY
After one of the worst campaigns in the club’s history, Orlando Pirates announced the return of Mulutin ‘The Wolf of Serbia’ Sredejovic.
The mandate was clear after a season where hearts were completely shattered courtesy of 6 - 0 drubbings, ‘Micho’ was hired to reclaim the pride of the ghost.
– ‘MICHO’
Micho was joined at the club by one Rhulani Mokwena who together worked tirelessly to heal the souls of the Buccaneer faithful. Back-to-back runnersup positions in the league, a heart-breaking Telkom Knockout final penalty shootout loss, and rekindling the flair Orlando Pirates are known to produce, Sredejovic - who took over an Orlando Pirates team which was in a very dark place - definitely made serious strides in making the club great again.
We caught up with the now Zambian head coach regarding his time at Orlando Pirates and his overall journey through African football which began two decades ago:
Q: You arrived at Orlando Pirates after one of their worst seasons ever (finished 11th
with just 33 points) in your very first season you lifted the team to a runners-up finish in two consecutive seasons. From your point of view, what were the biggest changes and improvements made?
A: In my point of view we were making drastic changes and improvements from the point of respect to the jersey and badge of Orlando Pirates - reclaiming the pride of the badge and returning Pirates to what they’re always supposed to be. We wanted to return the team to the footballing style of Orlando Pirates for the supporters. At Pirates, it’s not enough to win. You need to win with style and when you look at everything, I believe we have taken Pirates to a level they’re supposed to be at. Pirates have to challenge for trophies and be in the top two in the Premier Soccer League while playing a high brand of football. I believe we have healed the souls of our supporters and set a foundation for the years to come so Orlando Pirates doesn’t go back to what happened in 2016/17.
Q : The South African Premier Soccer League or the Egyptian Premier League, which one is stronger and why?
A: Both leagues are in the top three competitive leagues on the African continent. It’s very hard to choose one but when I look at everything, with all due respect to the Egyptian Premier League, I believe certain aspects like organization and usage of technology in teams has taken the South African Premier Soccer League ahead. Having said that, at the same moment the Egyptian Premier League is also extremely competitive and passionate.
Q: You are a master of African football after spending many years on the continent, where do you think African football needs to improve? Youth?
A: Since 2001 I believe African football has gone miles forward in improvement in terms of youth football, administration, marketing and from all competitions. You could say we have gone very far but still not as far as Africa is supposed to have as the most passionate footballing continent on this planet. We still have a lot of room for improvement. I personally believe that in years to come we shall succeed in the mission to put African football at the same level of competitiveness as in Europe and South America.
Q: With the constant pressure to win Silverware at the big clubs in South Africa, do you feel it’s difficult to integrate youth into the 1st team?
A: You’re absolutely right, with the constant pressure to win silverware at the big clubs in South Africa it is very difficult to integrate younger players into the first team because competitiveness is always at the edge and results are demanded. Under such circumstances coaches have no space and place for the young players. For the young players you need to have the most important ingredient called ‘patience’. Patience to give them minutes and mileage in their legs and under such circumstances, it’s very hard because the knife of ‘results’ is always under the neck. Coaches usually opt for the tried and tested players making it difficult for young players to get a chance to showcase their talent at big clubs.
Q: You are now the head coach of the Zambian national team, how is life treating you in Zambia and what are you hoping to
achieve with the Chipolopolo?
A: I have come here as a man on a mission. Chipolopolo won the African cup of Nations in 2012 but has gradually fallen down. The team have struggled to qualify for championships in recent years and when you take that into account, you realise that the demand is huge. We need to put a technical master-plan in place which will see us being extremely competitive at the CHAN 2021 in Cameroon, and in the four remaining AFCON 2022 qualifiers. We need to do everything possible in order to qualify ahead of Algeria, Zimbabwe and Botswana. When you have taken that into consideration we want to build the confidence of the team so that we can make history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup. It’s easy to speak but I want to say that I’m extremely happy and satisfied working with the great people of Zambia. I’m really expecting so much from the point of setting a platform for future success. I want to use all of my experience and success in Africa, 17 pieces of silverware, people who take the team where it’s supposed to be.
Q: Villa SC, Saint-George SA, Al Hilal, Orlando Pirates, Young Africans or Zamalek? Which club did you enjoy coaching the most and why?
A: There are not many coaches that can put such big clubs under their belt.Not many coaches can say they’ve coached in some
of the biggest derbies in Africa and those are for me the biggest Derby in South Africa: Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs, the biggest Derby in Egypt: Al Ahly vs Zamalek, the biggest Derby in Tanzania: Young Africans vs Simba, the biggest Derby in Sudan: Al Hilal vs Al Merreikh and more.
It’s very hard to choose. My heart is divided in several rooms
for all the clubs I’ve coached on the continent. I would tell you that every single team and its supporters have a special place in my heart.
Q: It was under you when Thembinkosi Lorch played some of his best football to become Footballer of the Season. How did you get the most out of Lorch?
A: Thembinkosi Lorch is really a special player. From day one there wasn’t a single match where he didn’t give 200% of his abilities, sometimes even playing with pain and injury. He always showed dedication and love for the Orlando Pirates jersey and badge. I need to tell you, the hypersensitive nature of his personality really needs special handling and I want to express
- along with my technical team - the honour and privilege of coaching such a special player who worked extremely hard to improve. He needed some mental support because diamonds of his calibre are very hard to handle and need special polishing. He was especially polished and I’m extremely proud of our work. I’m still in good touch with him and really wish he goes a step further and plays in Europe where I have no doubt his talent wouldl make a huge stamp on European football, l and that he will do all South Africans proud.
Q: What was it like working with your assistant coach Mr. Rhulani Mokwena at Orlando Pirates?
A: Even if I live three lives, I could not say enough! Thank you very much Mr. Rhulani Mokwena for the wonderful two years, all the ups and downs. A mission we took was to reclaim the pride of the Orlando Pirates badge and healing the souls of supporters. I have nothing else to add except it has been an honour, pleasure and special privilege to work in the same demanding environment as Rhulani, and I believe we have done our mission very well.
Q: What advice can you give to young footballers hoping to make it in football in South Africa?
A: I have followed the overall development of young players in South Africa. I believe the Multichoice Diski challenge and other activities are doing so
much in giving young players a chance to showcase their talent. Apart from being ready to challenge on the local level for the PSL teams, I want to urge young players in South Africa to have the element of courage inside themselves. They must try to leave their comfort zone and play football somewhere abroad where it’s not easy to succeed. I urge them to follow the footsteps of Percy Tau and others who are playing in Europe. Showing your talent at home in South Africa is something normal but extending your talent in Europe will benefit Bafana Bafana ahead of World Cups and qualifiers. Many young players need to come through and infuse their fresh energy into the team. Ù
