Publications
Partners
When Jozef Vukušic was unveiled as Polokwane City coach, some eyebrows were raised as the move seemed like one of those uncalculated decisions by the club’s hierarchy.
Barely four months since his arrival at the Limpopo-based side, the Slovakian has already made an impression, almost unnoticed.
A run of six matches unbeaten‚ which included a victory over Kaizer Chiefs last weekend, has seen Rise and Shine live up to their moniker as they shoot up the standings to keep in touch with the early frontrunners.
“Polokwane is different from Cape Town, where I was before. It’s quiet and so good, we can concentrate on our work,” Vukušic told City Press on the sidelines of the launch of the Telkom Knockout last week.
He cut a reserved figure during the event at the SuperSport Randburg studios last week Monday – a stark contrast to the animated man known for his trademark cap facing backwards on match days.
“I followed the Premier Soccer League and it helped me because I know the mentality of the players in South Africa. And that’s important when you come to Africa to coach. It helped me from the first day and the cooperation of the players is good,” said the 54-year-old from Košice in Slovakia.
Vukušic – or should we nickname him Mavukuvuku? – arrived at the Limpopo-based side in June, having previously coached Cape Town City in the National First Division between 2010 and 2012.
City’s 1-0 win over Chiefs through a stunning top-drawer Vusimuzi Mngomezulu strike last weekend was the second time Vukušic had beaten Amakhosi, having already eliminated them in the last 16 of the 2010 Nedbank Cup.
The Mother City side bowed out in the quarterfinals.
Vukušic is hoping to weave the same magic for City, who were handed a home clash against SuperSport United in this year’s Telkom Knockout.
“SuperSport is a very good team; we played them [a fortnight ago] already in the league. We drew with them at home.
“Our chances this time? Well, it’s a cup game; I see our chances there. We live with the hope. My wish was to rather play at home because we have had a lot of travelling.”
Vukušic said the victory over Chiefs boosted his players’ confidence and he was hoping City would keep the momentum going after the Fifa international break.
“It’s fantastic to beat one of the three biggest clubs in the country – especially for the players because they get the confidence that they can get good results against the big teams.
“I count the win against Wits as well. Two good results,” said the Uefa Pro Licence holder.
Vukušic was in the running for the Absa Premiership coach of the month last month. He and Orlando Pirates’ Milutin Sredojevic, as well as Kaitano Tembo of SuperSport United, were beaten to the monthly prize by Chiefs’ Giovanni Solinas.
The City mentor warned that it was early days in the race for the championship, but the sooner they picked up points, the better.
“This league is tough, but it’s good to have as many points in the first half of the season. I hope we’ll continue with our form [after the Fifa break].”
City will host Maritzburg United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on October 27.
Vukušic said he would do well with the squad at his disposal as City bid to emulate their best placing in the Premiership log – a sixth-place finish during 2016/17 season.
“Our squad is full, we have 30 players. We will not take in new players. All positions are covered. We have some youngsters, but we play more with experienced players,” explained Vukušic, who is assisted by the club’s former head coach Bernard Molekwa.
Key to City’s fine run have been the likes of Rodney Ramagalela, Jabu Maluleke, Edgar Manaka and defender Nicholas Motloung.
