Pretoria Callies team manager Ndinae Nemulodi has denied departure claims of coach Kwanele Kopo after his contract ran out at the end of last month.
Reports emerged from the media in May that Kopo’s future at Callies had come to an end. He had been expected to sign for Chippa United as an assistant coach to the newly appointed coach Morgan Mamila.
However, Kopo, himself had, at that time, confirmed to LimSportsZone that he had not left the team. But admitted there were a lot of offers from various Soccer Premier League (PSL) teams, including the Chilli Boys.
The former SuperSport United development side coach’s move to the Eastern Cape had repeatedly continued. He was said to be close to being sealed before it collapsed last month.
PRETORIA CALLIES DENY DEPARTURE CLAIMS
Now, the club’s team manager, Nemulodi has denied reports that Kopo has left. He even hinted he may stay for another two years.
“Remember he (Kopo) always spoke of the three-year plan that we had for the team. So he is continuing with the plan,” Nemulodi told LimSportsZone.
“Within the club structures, it was not communicated that he had left. We continued and planned with him for the new season.
“Now, I’m not sure about the details of the contract, but I know we had a three-year plan with him, and it’s good that amid all the offers he decided to stay and continue with what he started.”
Rumours of a move for Kopo to Gqeberha had continued to persist throughout. Surprisingly, the club’s chairman, Moses Malada had also confirmed to the media that Kopo had left the team, and they were searching for a new coach.
Nonetheless, Nemulodi has insisted that the chairman was probably avoiding the media questions when he agreed that Kopo had departed.
“Maybe that comment was just to shift the media attention because we were in the newspapers for our last game against Polokwane,” Nemulodi added.
WHAT KWANELE KOPO SAYS ABOUT THE SITUATION
Speaking to this publication on Saturday, 1st of July, coach Kwanele Kopo could not open up much about his contractual issue. Kopo said there is nothing presently and has not signed any contract.
But, LimSportsZone has it on good authority that there was a meeting on Thursday in Pretoria, with another meeting set for Monday to decide whether to keep the coach and several players in the team for next season. In fact, Kopo is likely to continue as the Roman’s coach.
By Clifton Mabasa
