In their quest to solidify the team's technical department, Venda Football Club (VFC) have appointed Mr Vladislav Heric as head coach.
According to VFC chairman Mr Itani Munzhelele, Heric's appointment took effect on Monday, and the Serbian national was already hard at work that same afternoon. Heric replaces Mr Duncan Lechesa, who parted ways with the Thohoyandou side three weeks ago. Lechesa had guided VFC through their first three league games, but the team managed only one draw while suffering two losses.
Heric is a familiar name in South African football circles. Over the years, he has coached several teams, including Polokwane City, Black Leopards, Free State Stars, and Maritzburg United. His biggest achievement in South Africa was promoting Chippa United from the GladAfrica Championship League to the then Absa Premiership Division. Whether the 58-year-old coach will be able to turn the team's fortunes around remains to be seen, as Heric joins VFC at a time when the team's future in the Motsepe Foundation Championship League looks bleak.
Although VFC currently sits at the bottom of the log with just one point from five games, Heric is optimistic, stating that the race for the league championship was still wide open. With 25 league matches remaining, he believes anything is still possible.
Heric's first assignment with VFC will be to ensure that his team secures a victory against Upington City when they meet at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in Upington on Saturday afternoon.