Pule fired up for derby and beyond
HAVING been one of the standout performers who helped inspire Orlando Pirates to the runners-up spot in the Premiership last term, Vincent Pule is banking on making an improved contribution to the Buccaneers next season.
Such was Pule’s impact that an uninformed observer would not have been able to tell that he was in his first season with the Sea Robbers, having joined them following impressive exploits for Bidvest Wits.
Under the guidance of astute coach Micho Sredojevic, 27-year-old left-footer Pule became an integral part of the team. He made 32 domestic appearances, scored nine goals and had five assists.
“I think this season I just have to improve,” Pule stated. “Every player wants to be a better player and person each season. I know I have to work harder than last season and everything will be great.”
Despite the urge to inspire Bucs to greater heights in the 2019/20 season starting early next month, Pule concedes he won’t put strain on himself chasing targets.
“I said to the other guys that I just have to improve and get better every season. (But) I don’t want to put myself under pressure.”
Pirates may have ended last season without silverware, but Pule and team-mate Thembinkosi Lorch scooped top individual accolades at the Premier Soccer League awards.
Pule’s goal against Polokwane City in the final match of the campaign was voted as the Goal of the Season by the public, while Lorch bagged Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards.
Lorch was rewarded with a place in the national squad for the recent Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored the goal that saw Bafana Bafana knock hosts Egypt out of the tournament in the last 16.
“He (Lorch) has worked his socks off and was unbelievable last season,” Pule said of Lorch. “He works very hard and has done well for himself and representing Orlando Pirates. He’s been fantastic and has reached his potential.”
Before Pule and Co get their new PSL season underway against Bloemfontein Celtic on August 3, Pirates face arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Should they continue their dominance of the pre-season Soweto derby, Sredojevic and his men will continue their impressive recent form. Bucs have played five preseason matches and won four, their only blemish a 1-1 draw with Cape Town City.
“As Pirates, we just have to focus on us. We do better when we focus on our game model,” said Pule.
“But I think it will be a great game (the derby). It’s also a positive when we haven’t lost a game. But it will be important to play our own game.”
Pirates and Chiefs will battle for Soweto bragging rights in the eighth edition of the Carling Cup on Saturday (3pm kick-off).