Former Pirates Coach Interested In Nico Job

Koketso Kgoboge | Monday June 13, 2016 14:34

Majombolo struggled under interim coach, Duncan Tshegofatso who was later demoted following a series of poor results and former player, Peter Muchina took the team through the last games. However, he failed to secure a top eight position for the side.

Following a dismal season, Majombolo advertised for a number of positions in the team including the coaching position.  The team spokesperson, Mogomotsi ‘Ace’ Orapeleng said they have received responses from a number of coaches. “Six coaches have shown interest in the job. Two local coaches and four international coaches from Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa, with the former Orlando Pirates coach Roy Barretto amongst them,” Orapeleng revealed.

“We are going to go through a process of screening. We are looking for a coach who will take us to a reputable position and we are expecting to have reached a decision on who will take us forward before the season commences,” Orapeleng said. “I am happy we have reached international coaches through our Facebook page, it shows growth”.

The veteran Barretto, had a spell with the Lobatse-based Extension Gunners in 1999 before he crossed the border to South Africa where he joined Free State Stars.

He later joined the Bucs and went on to win the league championship with the Soweto giants in the 2001-2002 season before quitting the job a year later after the team was knocked out off the Coca Coal Cup by Manning Rangers, the team that he later coached. He also coached First Division side, Bay United.

The Portuguese, who grew up in Zimbabwe, also coached a number of teams in Botswana’s neighbouring country. He was named the Zimbabwean national team coach in 1998 before exiting after nine months.

Still in Zimbabwe, he had a stint with a number of teams.  The highlight of his coaching career can be traced back to 1988 when he was a coach for the Zimbabwe Saints.

 He won the Zimbabwean Premier soccer league championship in 1988 with the Saints and guided the Zimbabwean club to the quarterfinals of CAF club champions cup a year later. He also coached Highlanders, Shu-Shine and Black Rhinos.