Pirates needs more than Kjell's fuel

By Herrold Lamola

It is now only a distant dream. Many years ago Orlando Pirates were the dominant force in South African football. Those ruthless teams also reached two African finals in three years.

That infamous Pirates side that won the infamous double-treble has long since gone. Pirates won their first treble in 2011 under Ruud Krol. The next season they repeated the feat.

The difference between that squad and the current crop of players is commitment. One can say the current squad has no leaders but that for me is a NO-NO. What about Oupa Manyisa, Thabo Matlaba, Happy Jele and Brighton Mhlongo? These lads should stand up and be counted when their team needs them.

The players need to remember what it means to don the famous black and white jersey. That skull on the jerseys next to their hearts. They should learn from previous generations. There isn’t any unity in the team and it shows.

Oupa Manyisa played in that double-treble winning squad. However, since the departure of Andile Jali, Ace is no longer the same. He is chasing shadows. He is lost without the formidable partnership he had with Jali. They were a force to be reckoned with and Jali's departure left a big void in Orlando.

The appointment of Muhsin Ertugral as Pirates coach came as a shock to me but these things happen - it is football after all. Ertugral was appointed but Eric Tinkler was doing well at Park Town. Letting go of a coach that has instilled a winning mentality in his squad was a huge blunder for Pirates.

Upon his arrival at Park Town, Ertugral dismantled the squad and started a new team from scratch. I mean who on earth can put Sfiso Myeni on transfer list? Menzi Masuku was maturing in the black and white but Muhsin has let him go. Lehlohonolo Masalesa is among those who were chopped off by Ertugral. Taking nothing away from the good job he did at Mpumalanga Black Aces - Muhsin built a great team there - but he has to take the blame in feeding Pirates with a poison that is killing them slowly and painfully.

A coach of Ertugral's experience had to know that he had to win the hearts of the senior players and make them play for him and eventually the team. It was clear that he had lost a dressing room when Pirates went to a half time break locked at 1-1 with Supersport United - only to  concedes 5 goals in the second half - to lose the game 6-1. The players didn't want him anymore and he couldn't do much but to hand in his resignation - just seven matches into the new season- five months after his appointment.

Orlando Pirates is a big club with huge ambitions and the players must recognize that. When they put on that black and white jersey they are carrying the hopes of millions of people. People have invested their emotions in the club and can't bear the pain that comes with failure.

Supporters are part of the club but they have to go through the right channels to address their grievances. The incident that transpired at Loftus Versfeld was uncalled for and has to come to an end. If you don't want to go to the stadiums then stay at home and destroy your television set when your team loses.

The newly appointed coach - Kjell Jonevret - has a huge task to do as he is expected to bring back the 'Happy People' days.

Jonevret came with a thin CV to Pirates and he has doubting thomases to prove wrong. His only success came in 2005 when he won a double at one of his previous clubs. But this will count for nothing when he try to steady the sinking ship.Time is not on Pirates side. The Swede has been granted a temporary work permit to start grinding the results as soon as this coming weekend. Jonevret will be in the dugout when his side takes on Polokwane City on Saturday.

Will he stay at Pirates for three years? This is the question that seeks no immediate answer- only time will tell.

Ruud Krol remains the only coach to see off his contract at Pirates tracking back to 2001. The Dutch legend had a three year deal with Pirates and managed to stay until the last day of his contract. Although he has won the double-treble with Pirates that wasn't enough to please the hard to please Ivirn Khoza. After handing over the titles to the chairman- Krol left ParkTown jobless.

Follow Herrold on Twitter @Lamola_eitcHDee