McCarthy's inexperience counted against him
The vast majority of soccer pundits are convinced that Benni McCarthy, who was undoubtedly the fans favourite to become the new Orlando Pirates coach, lost out due to a lack of top flight coaching experience. Trevor Cramer chatted to Citizen soccer editor Jonty Mark.
The vast majority of the media gathered in Johannesburg for the unveiling of the new Orlando Pirates head coach anticipated a familiar face to come walking through the venue door.
The lengthy delay by the club in appointing a new head coach following the 'resignation by TV' of former boss Muhsin Ertugral back in November 2016, caused mounting frustration among the media, fans and players alike as the Buccaneers slumped to 10th spot on the Absa Premiership log.
That led to the search for a new coach which resembled a highly secretive covert operation.
But indications were that Chairman Irvin Khoza's preferred candidate was only available in May and his hand was forced in order to stablise what was clearly a dysfunctional, troubled team.
That didn't stop the rumour mill from operating and apparant shortlist after shortlist did the rounds.
Among those considered to be in the frame, former Bucs star Benni McCarthy was one of the favourites.
But in walked the unknown Swede Kjell Jonevret, a man with an impressive CV working in Scandinavia but with zero experience in Africa.
Citizen soccer editor Jonty Mark was one of those left with a puzzled expression as the tall Swede was introduced to the media.
Mark feels the Pirates chairman has taken a big gamble:
McCarthy, who would have no doubt been a fans favourite, does hold a valid UEFA coaching licence and had expressed his keeness to guide the Buccaneers.
But Mark feels his inexperience as a top level coach counted against him...
Jonevret appealed for patience as he took the reins and admitted there was no "quick fix" .
Mark reckons the Swede may just be a breath of fresh air and likened his arrival to that of Stuart Baxter, who coached Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs as well as the Dutchman Ruud Kroll, who coached Pirates to a treble. Both were unknown quantities prior to their appointments.