Bucs Preparations Continue in Zambia

11 July, 2018

Orlando Pirates stepped up a gear with the second phase of their pre-season preparations, touching down in Zambia on Tuesday afternoon. The Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola will be the Buccaneers’ base while they complete their season build-up in Chipolopolo’s back yard.

Speaking to Orlandopiratesfc.com, Strength and Conditioning Coach Franck Plaine outlined the progress of the players and what the Technical Team hope to achieve in their Zambian tour.

“The Nelspruit camp was to progressively get the players back into shape through an intensive training program which not only engaged the collective group but also focused on the progress, strength and conditioning requirements of players on an individual basis.”

“The Zambian phase will focus on looking into incorporating the physical aspect with the tactical and technical aspects of the game. We are happy with the progress of the team so far, however the three friendly matches we are scheduled to play will give us a better indication of our levels in terms of fitness, and how that can be transformed into an improved technical execution and tactical awareness during a match.”

Plaine commented on the current squad size, which is still being assessed and will be clearer closer to the start of the season.

“With such a big squad, we have our work cut out for us. However, when we go back home we will analyse what happened here and that will give us a better idea of what our strengths and weaknesses are. This will in turn help us understand what we need to do in order to correct our shortcomings and improve as a team going into the final phase of our pre-season preparations”, concluded Plaine.

Orlando Pirates friendly matches:

Thursday, 12 July 2018 vs. TP Mazembe

Sunday, 15 July 2018 vs. Power Dynamos FC

Wednesday, 18 July 2018 vs. Forest Rangers




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