Bucs beefing up for Africa
ORLANDO Pirates are cognisant of the obstacles that come with competing on the continent and it is for that reason that they have bolstered their squad with nine new players.
The Buccaneers are going back to the Caf Champions League after their second place finish in the Absa Premiership last season.
On Tuesday, Pirates announced that they have acquired the services of former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, pictured, Abel Mabaso, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Paseka Mako, Linda Mntambo, Vincent Pule, Meshack Maphangule, Asavela Mbekile and Ben Motshwari.
The club is expected to cut ties with some players to make room for the new brooms to sweep clean.
Administrative manager, Floyd Mbele explained the rationale behind the wholesale changes.
“We have to reinforce the team to improve our squad. Even last season we made a number of signings. This is an ongoing process. We had to increase our numbers because we will be competing in Caf next season. That’s why we have strengthened our team. We know about the demands that comes with playing in Caf. We’ve seen where other teams ended on the log after playing in continental competitions. We don’t want to be victims, “Mbele explained, alluding to SuperSport United’s final day escape from the play-offs in the season that saw them reach the Caf Confederation Cup final.
Mamelodi Sundowns also struggled in the domestic scene after winning the Caf Champions League in 2016 as they failed to capture any of the local trophies thereafter.
“It has happened to us before. We reached the final of the Caf Champions League in 2013 and the 2015 Caf Confederation Cup final. It took us time to recover after reaching those finals. It also had an impact in us finishing number 11 on the log last season (2016/17). We don’t want to find ourselves battling in domestic competitions because of our Caf participation. We need a strong squad that can compete on all fronts. We want to try and avoid the fatigue that comes with playing in Africa, “he added.
Pirates need no introduction to Caf competitions as their track record speaks volumes. They always make significant impact in Africa. They won the Caf Champions Cup in 1995 and went on to lift the Caf Super Cup in 1996.
Pirates were the Champions League semifinalist in 2006. Expectedly there will be an exodus of players given the new signings.
“We need to be in consultation with the technical team. It is a process but obviously there will be players leaving. But like I say it is a process not an event.” Pirates are believed to be pushing hard for the services of Bafana Bafana and Bidvest Wits captain, Thulani Hlatshwayo.
“The transfer window is still open so obviously we might still add, but don’t throw individual names at me,” Mbele responded.