Where there is smoke, there is fire…
But try telling this to Young Pirates head coach Roger Fortune (pictured) who has vehemently denied any contact – for now – from ABC Motsepe League club Hanover Park FC following rumours that he is taking up the hotseat at Rieduwaan Anthony’s (owner) club.
The former Santos coach, who is currently on a mission to again win the Coke Cup with Pirates, categorically stated that the move is “not going to happen.”
“There was no connection and no message (from Hanover Park FC),” Fortune said to No Bones with Jones. “Like I told you the last time, I am unavailable at the moment and just available for Pirates. When the season is done then we start talking about other things.”
The switch from several Santos players to Downberg Road like the experienced and decorated goalkeeper Stanton Weir along with others like Shiraaj Davids, Alfonso Roman and Peter Wayne who are all currently training with Hanover Park FC, raises suspicion.
This indicates that the Santos quartet could in all likelihood be playing for Anthony this season with their tried and tested coach Fortune calling the shots.
Fortune, who has unfinished business with Pirates in the cup competition, says he does dictate to players where to go.
“They do come to ask me for advice and I am open to guide them,” Fortune further added. “The decision ultimately lies with them.”
Fortune, who emphasized that there was no involvement between himself and Hanover Park, ironically admitted that our website was not the only party which confronted him with the rumour.
“I thought to myself, where do the people come with this that the man (Anthony) signed me and I’m coming after the Nedbank Cup,” Fortune said to our website. “I thought oh my word,” Fortune added while having a great laugh.
With the second division season set to start on 27 September with the Nedbank preliminary round time is running out for Anthony to appoint a competent and qualified coach so late in the pre-season which is perhaps another indication that “Jolly Roger” is already lined up.
So, it should come as no surprise if the Heideveld-born coach makes the journey from Heideveld to Hanover Park to link up with his players again.
