Maduka not desperate for SA club coaching role
Former Flames captain John Maduka has said he is not desperate to take over as head coach for South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Bloemfontein Celtic.
Celtic named Maduka, who is the team manager, as interim coach on Monday after parting ways with Serame Letsoaka following a run of poor results that sees the club languishing in 12th position in the 16-team Absa Premiership.
“The possibility of taking over as head coach is there, but the move is more about preparing us for the future,” he said in a telephone interview from Bloemfontein yesterday.
Maduka, alongside the club’s former captain Lehlohonolo Seema, have been named as Celtic’s caretaker coaches and their first assisgment is this evening against Cape Town City in a league encounter.
The former Flames midfield workhorse was also quoted by the club’s website as saying he is hoping to ease the pressure on his players and ensure they are mentally ready for today’s tie.
“The players’ spirit was nearly dented by our loss against Wits at home, but during training they seem rejuvenated and ready to win.
“However, putting pressure on them will be suicidal, hence we have been making sure we focus on strategically planning for our opponents and somehow dealing with the players’ mental preparation,” he was quoted as saying.
Celtic were recently beaten 2-0 by Cape Town City in the Telkom Knockout, but Maduka feels his team’s cohesion will help reverse that result come Wednesday.
“Fortunately we already know each other and with the right tactical plans and correct mental attitude from our players we will triumph,” he says. “It won’t be easy, that I must concede, winning is our main priority.” n
