Bucs gear up for Charity Cup
Orlando Pirates will be in top shape and end their trophy drought in the new Premier Soccer League season which kicks off next month, despite being minus long serving skipper Lehlohonolo Seema who will be on loan to Mpumalanga Black Aces.
The hard tackling defender who is also captain of Lesotho, joins
another former Buccaneer in Gilbert Mushangazhike at Aces who
narrowly avoided relegation at the end of last season.
On a positive note is Bucs coach Ruud Krol will be staying
despite rumours he was leaving the club.
Explained Bucs spokesman Mickey Modisane: "Krol is still under
contract which has a year to run and we are happy to confirm he
will be leading the team this season."
But Modisane said Krol and his players have to win at least one
trophy this season after the team finished with no cups and ended
the league season in a disappointing fifth place.
Modisane said club chairman Irvin Khoza would be devoting more
time to helping Bucs reclaim their glory days now that his duties
as chairman of the 2010 Local Organising Committee are completed.
"The chairman will be devoting a lot of time building up the
team now that the World Cup is over. His input will be significant
in helping Pirates get back to winning trophies.
"It has been a decade since we won a cup and seven years since
we last won the Premiership. That drought has to end this season.
We owe it to our fans to succeed this season."
Krol's first assignment is the Telkom Charity Cup at Soccer City
(the National Stadium) on August 7 where the PSL season pipe-opener
will be played featuring the four teams that poll the most
telephone votes.
Modisane is also encouraging fans who watched the recent World
Cup finals to keep the momentum going by supporting local soccer.
"We want to see supporters of all races at our matches. We saw
thousands of White fans at the World Cup and I appeal to them to
keep that positive momentum from the World Cup going by coming back
and giving PSL club their support. "
Bucs, along with arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi
Sundowns, are three of the favourites to be in the Charity Cup mix
on August 7.
Bucs have bought two new players in midfielders Daine Klate from
PSL champions SuperSport United and Clifford Ngobeni from Ajax Cape
Town.
Bucs are rumoured to be interested in Bloemfontein Celtic
midfielder Mark Mayambela. But Modisane denied the speculation: "At
this stage nothing is on the table regarding Mayambela, but
anything is possible."
Meanwhile Bucs have recalled their four players they loaned out
to various clubs last season, Tlou Segolela, Excellent Walaza
(both Celtic), SA under-20 midfiedler Michael Morton (BidVest Wits)
and striker Reason Chiloane who played in the First Division last
term, are back training with the first team squad.
"A decision on whether to keep some or all four players or loan
them out again this season, will be taken by the chairman in
conjunction with the coach before the season starts."
Modisane also stressed that midfield star Teko Modise is staying with
Pirates despite rumours he might be heading for pastures new.