Orlando Pirates legend Edward ‘Magents’ Motale has shared his thoughts on the Buccaneers’ title ambitions following the signing of over 10 players during the current transfer window.
His comments come a day after Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou suggested that the club’s transfer business might not be finished. Bucs still have one more day to conclude dealings with the transfer window set to close on Monday, 22 September.
Pirates have already been a dominant force in the market, securing more than 10 players, including notable signings like Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, and Kamogelo Sebelebele.
With the new-look squad already tested in the Betway Premiership, MTN8, and CAF Champions League, Motale believes the team is coming together perfectly. He noted that the new signings, including Sebelebele, Mbule, Nduli, Appollis, and Moremi, have quickly become regulars and fan favourites, finding their place within the team.
The former Pirates captain stated that the team is not lacking in any department and, with its deep roster, is more than capable of challenging for major honours, such as the Betway Premiership title.
BUCS LEGEND MOTALE SAYS OUADDOU MUST FOCUS ON TEAM CHEMISTRY
Motale believes that Ouaddou’s priority should be on developing the current squad rather than seeking new players. He emphasised that the focus now must be on ensuring the entire squad gels together, especially as a handful of new signings are already proving to be key players.
“No, we don’t need to beef up, we have over 10 new players in the team and all the coach has to do is to ensure that they all gel together, but there is light at the end of the tunnel as about five new players that he has introduced are gelling very well. The rest need to come on board,” Motale told FARPost.
Meanwhile, Motale also added that with Ouaddou’s ability to adapt and implement a “Plan B” during matches, the squad is already competitive enough to challenge for major titles without any further additions.
“I’m also happy with the combinations, and what I like about Ouaddou is that he always has a plan B. If things are not going well in the first half, like we have seen in most games, he is not afraid to make substitutions even if it is early.”
And with Pirates having finished as bridesmaids to Mamelodi Sundowns for the past three seasons, Motale asserted that the team’s competitiveness is not in question. “The squad is competitive enough to compete with Sundowns for the league,” he insisted, “so there is no need to sign more players.”
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