Vasco da Gama winger Devon Saal believes that his new coach Andrew Pequeno (pictured) could be the X-Factor that is needed to lead them to promotion.
Pequeno replaced Keith Daniels who relinquished his position at the Third Division outfit due to personal reasons.
Vasco, under Daniels, gave a good account of themselves last season, but unfortunately did not have enough firepower to get them over the line – stll ending off the season in a respectable fifth position.
Pequeno – a two-time Regional Third Division League winning coach, and a Nedbank Cup winner (Local and Regional titles) – held his own last year in his team’s debut season in the ABC Motsepe League.
With Pequeno’s impressive track record in recent seasons, Saal is confident that his new coach can now replicate his success with the Fish & Chips Boys as well.
“The coach has been around the block so to speak and has lots of experience,” said Saal who is currently playing for Wynberg St. Johns in the Winter League.
“He has done it before, and he knows what it takes to attain success. This gives us as players a lot of confidence and it is definitely a motivation for us.
“I think he has that X-Factor that we need to win the league, you know,” said the former Santos and Maritzburg United winger.
It is evident that the 31-year lefty is enjoying his football again after injury forced him to lose out on a possible professional contract with a PSL-outfit a few seasons ago.
He also played a prominent role at Woodlands United before switching allegiance to Vasco last season.
Meanwhile Pequeno indicated that he is extremely proud to return to Vasco where he always “felt at home.”
“I’m excited to start working with the talent that I have seen last season, and this season as well,” said Pequeno.
“I would like to see the club back at a higher level and I know, and I accept the challenge,” the new Vasco-mentor concluded.
