Orlando Pirates coach Micho Sredojevic has responded to club supporters who are consistently demanding substitutions, with a stern – but calculated message. The rolling of writs was in full swing yet again during the Buccaneers’ midweek 2-0 Absa Premiership victory over Black Leopards when fans called for striker Justin Shonga to be replaced.
This comes days after another forward, Thamsanqa Gabuza, was at the receiving end of jeers from a section of supporters in the goalless draw away to Bidvest Wits last weekend at the Bidvest Stadium.
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“With the highest degree to our supporters, they are there to support and they are looking at football in a different way. They look with emotions,” Sredojevic, speaking to the media, began his rebuke.
“We (technical team) have been given a responsibility by our club, the chairman to coach. And with all due respect to our supporters, who are spiritual owners of this big club, we shall not allow anyone to go into directing us – we are not remote controlled. Nobody brought us from the streets. We have come here with an identity as coaches, we have something that qualifies us to be here. And as such, I can assure you that we are doing what we think is best.”
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He proceeded to defend the player in question, Shonga.
“Yes, misses have been there. If we are to win anything we need to appreciate the goals that he has scored. Supporters love players when they are delivering, but as coaches, they are ours in good and bad,” the coach explained.
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