Henryk Kasperczak has taken over from Dragomir Okuka as coach of AO Kavala but the Greek club have kept faith with Danilo Doncic.

With Doncic forming part of Okuka’s backroom staff at Kavala, the dismissal of the experienced Serbian coach cast doubts over the former Valletta and Sliema Wanderers striker’s position.

Doncic, who had a one-year stint as coach of Floriana three seasons ago, was resigned to leaving Kavala but Okuka encouraged him to stay and the club president also expressed the same sentiments.

“Given that it was Okuka who brought me to Kavala, I was prepared to quit my post after he was relieved of his duties but Dragomir encouraged me to stay,” Doncic told The Sunday Times.

“The president of Kavala also phoned to tell me that the club appreciated my work and that they wanted me to be Kasperczak’s first assistant.

“I’m pleased that the president has shown faith in my abilities. Kasperczak is an experienced coach and I believe I can learn from him as well.

“I’ve made up my mind to stay but I’ve told Kavala that if I receive an opportunity to be first-team coach in the near future, I will give it serious consideration as that’s my target.”

Kasperczak, 64, is a former Poland international who spent the first 15 years of his coaching career in France. He also had spells with four African national teams, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali and Senegal.

Kavala are sixth in the Greek Super League with 15 points from 10 matches.

Offer to Mifsud

Doncic has also revealed how he helped Ghana striker Derek Asamoah secure a lucrative move to South Korean giants Pohang Steelers who had also expressed an interest in Malta’s Michael Mifsud.

“A Serbian agent who has good contacts in Asia asked me to recommend two strong, fast strikers as Pohang Steelers, one of the leading clubs in South Korea, were looking to sign a forward,” Doncic said.

“I’ve seen and worked with many good strikers since I started coaching but the first two names that sprang to mind were those of Michael Mifsud and Derek Asamoah.

“I knew that Michael would make a strong candidate, given his ability, experience and also his status as a free agent.

“Asamoah also fitted the bill as he’s fast and strong. I know him well from my time as assistant coach of Lokomotiv Sofia.

“I spoke to Michael about Pohang’s approach but he was reluctant to move to South Korea.

“Asamoah was more open to the idea and the two clubs last week announced that they have reached an agreement over his transfer. Asamoah is now expected to officially complete his move to Pohang Steelers on January 1.”

According to reports, the 29-year-old Asamoah has signed a three-year contract with Pohang Steelers, three-times Asian Champions League winners.