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Sredojevic: I was persuaded to take over at Zamalek

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Milutin Sredojevic

Former Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic has opened up about his ‘unbelievable’ exit from the Soweto giants and how Zamalek persuaded him to come to Egypt.

The Serbian coach rocked South African football with his sudden resignation from Pirates a few weeks ago.

His departure had upset many of the Buccaneer faithful as they were left with many unanswered questions.

Initially he claimed to have resigned due to his sick mother, who was in Serbia, but just two days later he was in Egypt signing a deal with Zamalek. On the same day, back in South Africa, news broke of a sexual assault allegation against the coach.

Despite leaving under such controversial circumstances, Sredojevic has not ruled out a return to South African football in the future.

‘I was during both my spells extremely respectful to South Africa and South African football – I have no reason why I would not in the future be possibly part of the Mzansi football family,’ Sredojevic told the Sowetan.

‘I am grateful to my African football father, Dr Irvin Khoza, for each moment we spent together as I had a university of life, not just working as I was not coaching, but wholeheartedly loving all football stakeholders. I just say, never say never.’

Sredojevic wouldn’t discuss the assault case, saying only that his lawyers are dealing with the matter.

The former Uganda national team coach also revealed how Zamalek had persuaded him to join the club, and how their arch-rivals Al Ahly tried to hijack the move.

‘Zamalek wanted me in 2017 but Pirates snatched me. That Friday when I separated from Pirates was an unbelievable night of my life, where on demands of Zamalek players and supporters I was persuaded to take over the hardest coaching job in African football,’ he said.

‘I was ambushed by arch-rivals Ahly to join them with a much bigger financial offer, but my conscience did not allow me to dodge Zamalek, and people here know that and respect the loyalty I have shown to my present team.’