Bloemfontein Celtic coach Veselin Jelusic has hit the ground running, as results have shown.

It's still early in the season, with Phunya Sele Sele having played just nine league games and one in the cup.

But the signs are good.

Celtic are third on the log - this from a team that finished 12th last season.

They are also in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals where they will meet Platinum Stars at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday.

Jelusic is modest about his team's start, but the club's management and players are singing his praises.

"It's all about winning and you must believe, then transfer your beliefs to the players. Of course that's not enough and you have to prepare them physically and tactically," Jelusic told Sowetan yesterday.

"We are very grateful for Siwelele and their support. We play, always, not only for us but for them," said the Serbian.

Players appear comfortable with Jelusic. Deon Hotto, for example, said he has benefitted a great deal from his coaching methods.

"He's the type of coach that will take you after training and tell you to stay behind to put in extra work on some aspect of your game," said Hotto, who has been playing at left back and at times right wing.

The Namibian has shown great improvement under Jelusic. He already has five assists in 10 matches this campaign. He only had three from 34 last season.

Teammate Tshepo Rikhotso also sang Jelusic's praises.

"Even when you make a mistake, he's never going to shout at you. He will tell you in a nice way what you did wrong and you are motivated to do better next time," Rikhotso said.

Watching from a distance as Jelusic goes about his business is the club's management and if the words of chief executive Khumbulani Konco are anything to go by, the club feels they picked the right man.

"His advantage is that he has worked in Angola and Botswana so it wouldn't be a culture shock when it comes to South Africa. He's wise, very calculative," Konco said.