Free State Stars’ Nedbank Cup-winning coach Luc Eymael has been the subject of much rumour and speculation with regard to a possible move to another club next season. He has been linked with the vacant coaching posts at both Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United.
After Stars had beaten Maritzburg United 1-0 in the Nedbank Cup final, for a R7-million prize and a place in next season’s Caf Confederations Cup, the Belgian had some news for his suitors: they have a week to make or move, or he stays with Stars next season.
“I am still contracted to Stars,” said Eymael. “I can tell you that I have not had an official offer from any club. They always say there is no smoke without a fire. But I am going back to Belgium soon – if something is going to happen, it has to happen this week. Because, if nothing happens, when I come back from Belgium I will go back to Free State. Let me also add, that I am very happy at Stars.”
The Free State club’s success in the cup competition was their first trophy in 24 years and, brash and flamboyant as ever, Eymael remarked afterwards: “I’ve been in South Africa for two years and I’ve won a trophy. People here have been coaching for 13 years and they have nothing.”
Eymael has coached in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Algeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Sudan, and added that this triumph was his “fifth trophy in eight years of coaching in different countries in Africa”.