Orlando Pirates assistant coaches, Papi Khomane and Chris O’Loughlin will not be part of the technical team when Pirates entertain Benoni Premier United (Thanda Royal Zulu FC) at Ellis Park Stadium tonight.

The recent appointment of head coach, Owen Da Gama has resulted in some changes to the technical team. Peter Mbarga retains his position as goalkeeper coach of the first team. Da Gama explains, “We are still looking at the issue of the assistant coach.

The chairman has given me the autonomy to make the appointment. However, I believe in a team and therefore I am engaging everyone so as to find an appropriate assistant coach for the team.

We are in no rush as we want to ensure that the person we will appoint is the right person for the job. I believe in succession. Therefore, whoever will be the assistant coach should have the ability to grow in the job. Thus, that person will not be Owen Da Gama's assistant coach but will be the assistant coach of Orlando Pirates Football Club. Having said that, that person must have good enough experience and must have paid his dues in the game. There is no substitute for experience and therefore there should be no short-cuts in being at the helm of Orlando Pirates Football Club.”

O’Loughlin and Khomane are expected to meet the club Chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza within a couple of days to discuss their future roles at Orlando Pirates Football Club.