Mamelodi Sundowns on Monday sacked coach Paul Dolezer. In making the shock announcement, Downs president and owner Patrice Motsepe named Argentinian Angel Cappa as his successor and also appointed fellow Argentinian Oscar Fullone as his new technical director.
Fullone is a former Downs coach. He left Sundowns a year ago when Dolezar was appointed. Dolezar had 18 months to run on his contract.
Motsepe said: ”I was not satisfied with our performances. We were not playing good football. The players lacked motivation. I spoke to Dolezar many times about this problem and he had chances to change things, but could not. So I decided I would bring in new blood.”
Motsepe said Cappa comes with an impressive track record. In 1982, he was assistant Argentina coach at the 1982 World Cup finals. Cesar Luis Menotti was then coach of the Argentine national team.
Cappa followed Menotti to Spanish giants Barcelona the following year and was again Menotti’s assistant.
Cappa also coached another Spanish club, Tenerife, in 2000.
Cappa’s English is not good, he said through an interpreter, and added that he will rely on Fullone to translate his instructions to his new players.
”I will learn English quickly,” he said. ”I am also delighted to be given this chance. I aim to make the most of it.”
Fullone said he is confident Cappa will be a huge success with Sundowns.
”He is a highly qualified coach and I know that he will do a good job.”
Motsepe said Cappa is a world-class coach who will add a new dimension to Downs.
”Like every other person involved in soccer, I want to win things. But just as important, I want to see the team play well.
”This did not happen under Dolezar and I believe that under Cappa it will.”
Neil Tovey has been retained as assistant coach while Cappa will also appoint his own assistant.
Motsepe said Fullone will work with Cappa and with development coach Khabo Zondo.
”Fullone will work closely with Zondo to assist in identifying young exciting talent.”
Dolezar’s record is not that bad, though. He lost two league matches and one cup match this season and now gets the boot. That should be motivation for Cappa, who knows that anything less than winning the championship and playing soccer that pleases the president could lead to his fall from favour. — Sapa