Johannesburg – Platinum Stars' acting coach Allan Freese says the club has opened talks with him about taking over as the official head coach, after being in a caretaker role since the start of the soccer season.
Freese took over from former coach Cavin Johnson, who joined SuperSport United before the start of the season, and has yet to be given the nod for the coaching job.
“They've called me into the office. They want to talk to me, so it's about putting an offer on the table and discussing it,” Freese said in Johannesburg on Thursday.
He was speaking ahead their Telkom Knockout final against Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday.
Freese said the team would approach the encounter as they would do with any other, ruling out any “special attention” for Pirates' big-name players.
“We're not going to pay special attention to anyone. We're going to come out and play,” he said.
“We haven't done that and I don't think we'll start that in this game.
“Pirates know us. We know Pirates. We'll play according to how we want to play.”
The Premier Soccer League announced on Thursday that the winner of the Knockout tournament would be awarded R4 million in prize money, while the runners-up would receive R1.5m.
Freese said Platinum Stars had a policy of rewarding their players and staff should prize money be won, and this would play a contributing role in motivating his players to take the title.
“Any player and myself as well, there is compensation, which we really appreciate.
“So yes, it is a major incentive as well for the players.”
Meanwhile, Pirates' coach Roger De Sa will be under pressure to deliver the goods on Saturday, having already competed and lost in two cup competitions this season.
The Buccaneers were beaten by Stars in the final of the MTN8 in September, before going down to Egyptian side Al Ahly in the final of the Caf Champions League last month.
“The fact that we keep reaching the final is important,” De Sa said.
“You have to get to a final to win the final. We haven't been training this whole week because we're thinking of losing.
“We can't look too much into the past, we have to look to the future.” – Sapa