Who exactly is Kjell Jonevret?

First priority for most was to get their tongues around the Swede's name, which is pronounced "Shell". Many a pun will surely arise based on the likeness to a leading international brand of motor fuel.

 Pirates Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza is never short on delivering sneaky punches or blindsiding opponents in the tough world of South African football and he certainly didn't disappoint.

 One cannot blame the fans for being a touch puzzled either.

 Jonevret takes over an ailing Pirates team languishing in 10th place on the Absa Premiership log, struggling for decent form or momentum and 13 points adrift of the current leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

The names of a whole host of potential candidates for one of the hottest potatoes in South African soccer had been doing the rounds and speculation was rife that Benni McCarthy may even land the job. But true to form, Dr Khoza had other ideas.

 The chairman indicated last week that he had a 'preferred candidate' in mind, but that coach was still in contract with another club until May and was unavailable till then. Until now, we have not been alerted as to who the 'preferred candidate' was.

 The 54-year-old Swede joins the club with extensive knowledge and experience in the game and is a former player who plied his trade in the Swedish Premier League for 13 years before turning to coaching in 1992 following his retirement.

 His coaching achievements include winning a Swedish Premier League and Svenska Cupen double in 2005 with Djurgårdens IF.

 He also got the nod as the Swedish Manager of the Year that year. He has also served as technical advisor to the Swedish national team.

 Jonevret has been engaged on a three-year contract. The burning question remains how quickly will he fit into the SA soccer culture and the demands of being the mentor of one of the biggest and well-supported clubs in the country.

 With a Pirates job comes huge expectations, a passionate, often unforgiving fan base and huge responsibilities placed on the coach and players' shoulders.

"Of course we have talked about that," replied Jonevret, who is very well-spoken in English.

 "I have worked with a few very big clubs in Scandinavia, so I am not immune to that kind of pressure and I'm prepared for it," he added.

 "I know it's more than football in a club like Pirates."

 "I am not here just to do work for a short period, I want to be here for long. We talked about a marriage -- I hope I turn out to be the beautiful wife," he quipped.

 The new coach faces his first test on Saturday when the Buccaneers host Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium followed by a showdown with bitter Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on March 4.

 He is all too aware though that it is not going to be quick fix and a reconstruction job is never accomplished overnight.

 "I can't change everything. I have to learn and listen to the people around me. But I will always be myself."

 "I have seen them play for a few games and there’s a very talented group of players, but they are a little low on confidence I think."

 The Pirates chairman also announced a new technical team. The Swede will be assisted by former Mamelodi Sundowns legend Harold "Jazzy Queen" Legodi and Benson Mhlongo.

 Legodi replaces Bradley Carnell, who requested a release from the club to take up an European job offer.

Pirates fans will soon learn who Kjell Jonevret is and will no doubt soon find a nickname that runs easily off the tongue -  if their beloved club quickly emerge out of their current slump.