JOHANNESBURG – Micho Sredojevic is confident that football
will be the winner when Orlando Pirates team play Chippa United in tonight’s
Absa Premiership clash at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Such remarks are expected
though, considering the amount of business that has been concluded between the
two parties of late.
During pre-season, Paseka Mako, Linda Mntambo and Abel
Mabaso made the switch to Johannesburg while Thamsanqa Sangweni moved to Port Elizabeth
while deals to have Thabo Matlaba and Bernard Morrison join the Chilli Boys
didn’t materialise.
"I believe that whoever comes to Nelson Monday Bay
Stadium will enjoy good football," Sredojevic said.
"I think it is always easier to play against a team
that plays the ball on the ground instead of long ball that involves a lot of
throw-ins. Against Chippa United we will have an open game, knowing the
mind-set of the coach (Dan Malesela) and the game- model they play.. Football
will be the winner.’’
With Micho’s football preference being an on-the-ground ball
game, it was a bit confusing when there was a massive number of new wingers
during the off-season Mako, Mabaso, Kudakwashe Mahachi and Vincent Pule while
they already had Thembinkosi Lorch, Thabo Qalinge and Luvuyo Memela.
Sredojevic was asked what use they will be if he doesn’t
prefer the long ball tactics and he explained thus:
“All our attacking midfield players have an initial role of
being the first line of defence. This pushes the opponent to play long passes.
From that, we get an advantage and then build-up from Happy Jele, Gladwin
Shitolo, Xola Mlambo and Musa Nyatama.
"Then after that their important role is to help us in
attack, either they open wide or cut into position number 10"’
The signing of goalkeeper coach Andrew Sparkes from English
side Swansea City's youth structures was well received by the Buccaneers
considering that they didn’t have a regular number one last term.
But clearly, the Sea Robbers will do all it takes to steer
their ship to top honours this season as evidenced by their going as far as
France to lure in specialist finishing coach Stephane Adam.
Highlands Park in action against Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on 04 August 2018.Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Adam joins from Lille having also worked with FC Metz and
boasts a massive 14-year career.
“We always have to take care of every possible detail that
could make us have an advantage and be trendsetters in the South Africa
football scene," Sredojevic said. “We have tried to strengthen ourselves
to squeeze the best out of our players and look at their individualisation. This
will enhance them to lift the team in the best possible way."’