New AmaZulu FC coach Jozef Vukusic admits that he has his work cut out and will have to deliver immediately after being unveiled as the successor to Cavin Johnson on Wednesday.
The Absa Premiership’s bottom club wasted little time in naming their new manager and took a little over 48 hours to announce the former Polokwane City boss as the man to lead them going forward.
Vukusic has signed a three-year deal at the King Zwelithini Stadium and will be assisted by legendary former striker, Mabhuti Khenyeza. The 55-year-old acknowledges he faces a tough job ahead.
Johnson was axed on Monday following a difficult start to the 2019/20 campaign when the club failed to win any of their opening five games.
They lost to Bidvest Wits, Polokwane City and Highlands Park and also drew with Orlando Pirates and Lamontville Golden Arrows – the result against Abafana Bes’thende sealing his fate.
The poor results have left Usuthu last on the table and General Manager Lunga Sokhela conceded it was a tough call for the club to make, but added that they could not continue in that manner.
Vukusic has penned a deal that runs until mid-2023 as the club opted to put its full faith in a man who led Polokwane extremely well last season.
The Limpopo side finished in a highly commendable fifth position, a record position for Rise and Shine.
Sokhela says the thinking behind the lengthy deal was to allow the Slovak to make a complete impression on AmaZulu FC.
Vukusic was a surprise departure from City at the end of last season, considering all he had done for the club.
Not only did the club finish the season in their best-ever position, but they also impressed with the brand they played.
The new Usuthu coach stopped short of promising a similar attacking brand in Durban, saying he would first have to stabilise the club before trying to make his mark.
He was nonetheless looking forward to the challenge ahead. – Report by Thahir Asmal
? Jozef Vukusic Press Conference
➡️ Vukusic delighted to join Usuthu
➡️ Mabhuti Khenyeza named Assistant Coach #Usuthu_Pride pic.twitter.com/FSmukG2nt6
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) September 18, 2019
? Jozef Vukusic ?
The Slovak was introduced to the Durban Media this afternoon.
A warm welcome to the Usuthu family. #Usuthu_Pride pic.twitter.com/8LsUM88Xti
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) September 18, 2019
Welcome, Josef Vukusic ?#Usuthu_Pride pic.twitter.com/4Cs3bXm37l
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) September 18, 2019
? A new start ? #Usuthu_Pride pic.twitter.com/Em2EFwQm1z
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) September 19, 2019
