In his first column for the Orlando Pirates fan page, former Bucs star Steve ‘Chippa’ Lekoelea talks about the team’s progress so far this season. He also shares his views on Vladimir Vermezovic. 

On Pirates’ season so far
Pirates are poor this season and, as it stands now, we could even finish outside the top five for the first time in many seasons. I think the reason for the club’s poor form is the changing of coaches. The management’s decision to hire a new coach midway through the season was not on. In my opinion, they should have continued with Eric Tinkler and only appointed VV next season. 

On Roger de Sa’s resignation 
To be honest, Roger’s resignation caught me by surprise because the team was doing well under him and we reached the final of the Champions League. I thought that he would finish this season at least, but we have to respect his decision. 

On VV’s appointment 
That’s another decision that not only caught me, but the whole Pirates family, by surprise. It’s rare to see a former Chiefs coach being appointed as Pirates’ coach, especially one that didn’t do well at Chiefs. We would have understood better had they appointed Muhsin Ertugral, because he has achieved a lot in SA football, but we have to support VV and hope that he does well for the team.

His impression on VV
It’s too early to tell whether or not he will succeed at Pirates. But to be honest, I’m not happy with his decision to use the rotation system with just few games left in the league. What’s irritating us, Pirates supporters, is the fact that Chiefs continue to win games and we’re losing games left, right and centre. VV could have done that (introduced a rotation system) during the preseason because now this rotation system is costing the team.

Until next Friday… once a Buccaneer, always a Buccaneer!