Bloemfontein Celtic part ways with coach Jelusic

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Friday Jun 15, 2018. 11:00

Following reports that South African Premier Soccer League side Bloemfontein Celtic could be sold to new owners, coach Veselin Jelusic has decided to resign.

The Serbian boss has tendered his resignation on Thursday following the reports that chairman Max Tshabalala is selling the club as he fails to cope with financial expenses.

According to the coach’s agent, Ivica Stankovic, the coach is still interested in coaching in the Absa Premiership, but there are no offers as yet.

The former Botswana national team coach spent one season with the club and led them to an 11th place finish last season.

Apart from unpaid salaries, the coach’s future with Phunya Sele Sele has been the subject of speculation in recent months since rumours of the club’s sale emerged at the end of last season.

Speaking to the Phakaaathi webisite on Thursday, the agent confirmed the manager’s departure at Celtic with immediate effect.

“Yes, it’s true that he [Veselin Jelusic] has resigned,” Stankovic said.

“We have no offers from South Africa yet. We’re still looking for something for him,” he added.

Although the club has remained mum on the resignation, his assistants in John Maduka and Lehlohonolo Seema are set to get their pre-season preparations underway.

Moreover, the club recently announced a new sponsorship deal with Umbro ahead of the new 2018/19 PSL season.