/ 14 October 2004

Bucks get rid of Westerhof as coach

After dilly-dallying, Bush Bucks finally came out of the closet on Thursday and officially announced the sacking of head coach Clemens Westerhof.

However, the East London-based side hastily added that the Dutchman has, in fact, not been fired but redeployed to head their youth development and centre of excellence.

In a statement issued by club spokesperson Lester Piti on Thursday, the club said the board of directors had taken the decision last Saturday in a strategic meeting to restructure the technical team.

”In view of Clemens Westerhof’s vast experience in development and talent identification and his association with great coaches such as former Ajax Amsterdam and Real coach Leon Been Hakker, the board of directors have decided to entrust him a task of heading Bucks’ development of coaches,” Piti said.

Westerhof will also monitor and facilitate the operation of development centres in Umtata, East London and Port Elizabeth, compile a youth development programme and keep the reserve team active.

The Dutchman’s new role is precipitated by the financial injection Bucks have just acquired from Mercedes-Benz, which among other things calls for the establishment of a youth development centre in their Amalinda ground.

Bucks, who are playing against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday in a crunch league game, will be guided by William Mugeyi.

Piti said the club will announce the new head coach immediately after the game. — Sapa