- Papic was Rollers’first choice in 2017, he then recommended Kavazovic
- Rodolfo Zapata has applied for the job, he is on standby if Papic deal fails
BONGANI MALUNGA
Reports reaching Gazette Sport suggest that former Orlando Pirates coach Kosta Papic is Township Rollers’ preferred choice to fill the vacant head coach position. The club is expected to hold talks with the Serbian coach with the view of handing him the position.
Papic had all but agreed a deal in principle to take over at Rollers in 2017 but the coach backed out of the deal citing a health scare which might have ruled him out of pre-season, this publication has established that Papic then recommended his countryman Nikola Kavazovic and Rollers hired him.
Rollers are aware that Papic is available following his stint as the Royal Eagles coach in the South African National First Division, they have now rekindled their interest in Papic and they are hopeful of striking a deal with him according to a reliable source.
Papic announced himself to Southern Africa as the head coach of Orlando Pirates in 2004, although he did not win any major silverware with the club his brand of possession football won him a lot of admirers. He has also coached other South African clubs such as Chippa United, Polokwane City and Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs.
Meanwhile, former Gaborone United coach Rodolfo Zapata is believed to have applied for the Rollers post. He has already sent his proposal and the club has reportedly put him on standby in case a deal for Papic does not materialize. Zapata, despite his love for GU, has always coveted the Rollers job and he is hopeful of beating Papic to the post.
Rollers spokesman Bafana Pheto did not confirm nor deny the Papic and Zapata reports, he also revealed that they have received 15 applications since last week, including hopefuls from Portugal, Italy and Russia.
“Speculation is normal in this kind of situation but we are keeping our cards close to our chests. You have mentioned Papic but many others have been speculating about Zapata, we cannot be drawn into speculation at this moment. We know the kind of profile we want, if we can get a coach with a better CV than our previous coach or a coach who can take us to greater heights. We will communicate once we are ready to make an official announcement,” said Pheto. The club is currently under the tutelage of Thabo Motang who is the caretaker coach.