On-leave Royal Eagles coach Kosta Papic has confirmed his "very successful" spinal surgery, but says doctors have advised three weeks of recovery. The former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates coach was granted sick leave by Eagles a fortnight ago, as he required an emergency back operation in his home country. Papic subsequently missed his side's clashes against University of Pretoria, AmaZulu and Thanda Royal Zulu, prompting the club to appoint ex-Highlands Park and Platinum Stars coach Allan Freese on an interim basis, ahead of their 1-0 win over Real Kings last weekend, until the end of the season. "Very difficult [operation], it took 8 hours," Papic tells KickOff.com. "I need three more weeks to get ready for rehabilitation to return to work.

"The doctor had more work than he expected, but I will be okay," he assures. "The discs between my spine gives me problems, we took it out and put some other things [plates] to replace them. "Now we wait three weeks to see how my body reacts on the new implementation. If it's acceptable, good; if not, we will do another operation to try another implementation." Papic, who is still in Serbia, says he will come back to South Africa stronger than before and promises not disappoint his fans by staying away. "I will come back more strong. I will do everything possible not to disappoint," he adds. Regarding the temporary appointment of Freese, Papic says: "That's not a question for me. Anything that will help the club get promoted is the best decision."