Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has taken the time to appreciate technical team member Helmy Gueldich.
Gueldich is the conditioning coach who joined Pirates from Tanzanian giants Young Africans at the beginning of the current season. He was part of Nasreddine Nabi’s technical team at Yanga, but they split after Nabi’s failed move to Kaizer Chiefs.
The Tunisian won the MTN8 title three months into his Pirates career before going on to complete a cup double with the addition of the Nedbank Cup trophy a few months later in his debut season.
“Unfortunately if I tell you what he does with us each and every day we will be here the whole night,” Maela told the media.
“He is very important to us, very qualified, humble guy, smart guy. He has drilled us very hard, really strong and it shows in our matches, every time we go one goal down we are able to come back and find an extra gear and go all the way to win.
“I need to also give credit to Mr Micheal who left because of family issues, he started the season with us, he was there preseason alongside Helmy. He also needs to get his credit.
“But Helmy is very important hopefully he can stay with us for a very long time. He is a highly qualified guy.”
Maela led Pirates to yet another successful season, as they capped it off with a Nedbank Cup title. The Buccaneers came from a goal down to snatch a late win in stoppage time for their second trophy of the 2023/24 season, having won the MTN8 competition as well.
