Former Orlando Pirates striker Takesure Chinyama has made a bold claim about The Buccaneers’ crop of 2012, labelling them as ‘extra special’.
Chinyama was part of the Pirates’ crop of 2012 that won the PSL title then under interim coach Augusto Palacios. Ruud Krol had started the season and was replaced by Palacios.
Notably, that Pirates team produced several players who have gone on to become highly respected coaches in South Africa. The list is headlined by Benni McCarthy, Moeneeb Josephs, Daine Klate, Tlou Segolela and Collins Mbesuma.
McCarthy has risen to be a cut above the rest after his stint at Manchester United. He joined Manchester United in 2022 to work alongside Dutchman Erik ten Hag. The two-year spell as strikers coach at Manchester United left the Bafana Bafana all-time top scorer hungry for similar tests.
On the other hand, Josephs has worked as a goalkeeper’s coach at AmaZulu FC and La Masia. In addition, Klate has managed teams, including Chippa United and La Masia.
Meanwhile, Collins Mbesuma is rising in stock as a strikers coach, having started off at Pretoria Callies. He had a brief stint at Sekhukhune United and, subsequently, Venda FC.
Tlou Segolela has also carved a niche as a coach and is currently head coach at Platinum City Rovers.
TAKESURE CHINYAMA’S BOLD CLAIM ABOUT ORLANDO PIRATES’ CLASS OF 2012
And Chinyama, who recently completed his UEFA B coaching badge, says Pirates’ class of 2012 must be a point of reference for players eager to take up coaching.
“It’s so inspiring that there are so many of us who went on and took up coaching after hanging up the boots,” Chinyama told FARPost. “I have been following Benni McCarthy, Moeneeb Josephs, Daine Klate, Collins Mbesuma and Tlou Segolela. They have all made good progress.
“Truly speaking, I think that makes us a special group, and even our coach then, Ruud Krol, must be proud. And I also think that it must be a motivation to the current players, that it’s possible.
“Seeing Benni reaching the top level of football when he was at Manchester United is something significant. And I have noticed that most former players dread taking the first step to start coaching.
“But ultimately, that is a route most of us must take because most are also not cut for administration. For me, the group of 2012 stands out as extra special.”
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