 At the end of August 2009, Kovalets became the new head coach of PFC Oleksandria in the Ukrainian First League.He held this position until Yuriy Maksymov left Obolon during the winter break of 2009–10 Ukrainian Premier League season when he was offered the position.He was sacked after a 1–0 defeat at Chornomorets Odesa on 31 November.