Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi has urged Buccaneers head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to build a bigger squad to cope with the demands of chasing glory on different fronts this season.
The Soweto giants are in a season in which they have reached the MTN8 final, where they will play Mamelodi Sundowns. On Saturday, they host Mauritian side La Cure Waves SC in a CAF Champions League first preliminary round, second-leg clash, following a 0-0 away draw.
Ouaddou and his men are also bidding to defend the Betway Premiership and the Carling Knockout. There is also the Nedbank Cup up for grabs. To prepare for what promises to be a taxing season, Ouaddou has refreshed his squad with huge activity in the transfer market.
Out through the exit door are the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Mbule, Patrick Maswanganyi and Deano van Rooyen. Tshegofatso Mabasa, goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, Karim Kimvuidi, Thabiso Lebitso and Selaelo Rasebotja have also left.
New arrivals include the in-form Gamphani Lungu, Sbangani Zulu, Thapelo Mokopodi, Mthetheleli and Mthiyane. Also signed are Bohlale Ngwato, Matome Mmolai, Sebastian Pedersen, Neo Rapoo and Mohau Nkota, who has returned on loan.
THE ADVANTAGE OF PIRATES’ ABDESLAM OUADDOU HAVING A BIG SQUAD EXPLAINED
At a recent press conference, Ouaddou said he prefers to work with a group of 30 infield players and four goalkeepers. The Pirates coach argued that a bigger squad is harder to manage.
But Vilakazi has come in to explain why a wide pool of players is ideal to navigate a hectic season where injuries and fatigue could creep in.
“It’s very wise to have a bigger squad. Look at the injuries that they are having right now. I think [Makhehlene] Makhaula got injured; now we have [Thalente] Mbatha, who has a knee injury. We also have [Sihle] Nduli, who got hurt badly,” Vilakazi told FARPost.
“So, it’s going to be important to have a bigger squad, especially when you look at the trophies that are on the table for the team. You have the Betway Premiership, the MTN8, which they are in the final of now, the Carling [Knockout] that is coming in, the Nedbank Cup and the [CAF] Champions League.
“So, it’s very important to have a bigger squad so that you can rest other players. Maybe others will play in the Champions League, and others will play cup games.
“It’s important to have a bigger squad so that your players don’t get fatigued. Remember that we don’t look at playing. Also, travelling plays a part in fatigue,” Vilakazi went on.
“That is one thing a lot of people don’t think of. Travelling can also cause fatigue. So that’s where you need a [big] pool of players, so that those who went to CAF come two days before the other game, and at least you can add one or two to the team that is there and carry on with the team.”
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