With a little over three weeks since Vincent Pule joined the Buccaneers, he has endured a rigorous pre-season program, which will have spanned two countries and six matches.
Following the initial phase of training, which focused on getting the players to an improved fitness level, the learning and implentation phase takes a deeper approach into the application of the Club’s game model in game situations.
Orlandopiratesfc.com caught up with Vincent to find out how he is adjusting to his new environment.
AS A BUCCANEER SO FAR
“It has been a great experience; I’m loving the team environment. We do everything together from training, analysis and even eating. We are a unit and that is making it easy to gel with the guys and get used to everybody around me.”
“I’m happy here, I was made to feel at home from the moment I arrived and I’m amazed at the team spirit and the level of support that I have received from the coaches and the players.”
ADJUSTING TO THE GAME MODEL
“Orlando Pirates has a completely different style of play than what I was used to at Wits. I was worried when I first arrived and I heard Coach Rhulani speaking about the Pirates game model. I found it difficult to understand especially since the focus was more on the theoretical aspect of the game.”
“Now that we are doing the practical application at training and with the support of my team mates, I have found it easier to understand what the coaches want from us.”
GELLING WITH THE TEAM
“So far so good. I have played with some of the guys before, Ben Motswari and Xola Mlambo from Wits, while Thabo Qalinge and I go back to our Bafana Bafana time together. I go even further back with Luvuyo Memela and Thembinkosi Lorch. It’s a homecoming of sorts with all the people around me.”
HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR
“The biggest highlight for me is that I’m here, playing for the biggest team in the country! I can scarcely believe it myself but I am just so honoured to be here. It is every boy’s dream to play for this Club, at least I know it was for me, so I am practically living my dream right now.”
“I believe that we have a responsibility to the Club and its supporters, and that is to play with commitment, passion and pride. We have to do our our level best to add value and contribute to the Club’s culture of winning.”
