Pirates name Julio Leal as new coach

22 June 2011

Orlando Pirates revealed Julio Leal as their new coach at a press conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning, with the Brazilian signing a three-year contract at the club.

The 60-year-old replaces Ruud Krol, who was not given an extension to his contract despite leading Pirates to three trophies in the 2010/11 season: MTN8, Absa Premiership and Nedbank Cup.

Leal’s experience in South Africa includes spells at AmaZulu and Moroka Swallows, where he helped the Birds win the 2009 Nedbank Cup.

“It is a huge honour to be announced at this time by chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza as coach of Orlando Pirates Football Club,” said Leal.

“I know the culture of Orlando Pirates and with the support of the chairman Irvin Khoza and the board of directors we will achieve great things,” added the Brazilian.

“I want to thank the club for giving me this opportunity to coach the team for three years. I want to say to the supporters they must come in great numbers to back the team.”

Khoza admitted it would be difficult for Leal to follow in the footsteps of Krol after the Dutchman’s success last season.

“It won’t be easy for the coach,” said Pirates’ chairman. “It won’t be easy to repeat the treble. But we will give him all the support he needs.”

Krol, despite his success, was occasionally criticised for an approach that was seen as too defensive, and both Khoza and Leal hinted that a more attacking mindset would prevail in the new season.

“He (Leal) will bring back the attributes of attacking play,” said Khoza. “He will help rekindle the old culture of Pirates.”

Leal explained, “Players will have the freedom to move, to play more offensive football and create more opportunities to score.”

The Brazilian coach also hinted that one of his aims is to see Pirates compete strongly in the CAF Champions League and even participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the future. The Buccaneers are the only Southern African team to have won the African Champions League, claiming the trophy in 1995.

“This squad is good for local competitions, full of quality. Several players have been called up to the national team,” said Leal.

“But we want to improve the quality of the squad to defend the titles and go on to an international level.”