Maritzburg United head coach Fadlu Davids admits there’s a lot that has changed at Orlando Pirates this season.
His return to Esgodini resulted in a 2-1 defeat in an entertaining DStv Premiership outing which he feels gives his side confidence going into future challenges.
But when asked by iDiski Times if his experience at the club helped him in preparations to face the Buccaneers, he said there were some he could pass on but the fact is the playing personnel has changed, while they also had no continental football on their plate.
“They are slightly different [tactically], they signed 12 players, most of the time, it’s six, seven new players on the pitch that weren’t here last season,” Davids said.
“So they are a new team, they strengthened in all departments and they don’t have CAF to worry about, they know the league is the priority – as it was last season.”
Pirates have signed 13 players while more than 20 have departed on free transfers and loan deals as they looked to refresh the squad to challenge for silverware.
Meanwhile, Davids, who had a brief stint in Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow before returning to the Team of Choice is aiming to secure their top-flight status and rebuild the squad he once made one of the most exciting in local football during his first stint as head coach.
He admitted he prepared them as best he could to try and get a result at Orlando Stadium but the late first-half goal from Monnapule Saleng through a spanner in the works.
“The preparation of the team, the knowledge of the team, stadium, the fans, you could see we had that and you could see going into halftime,” he added.
“Had we kept it 0-0, the tension would grow in Orlando Stadium – it’s a small factor but it’s the tactical plan you prepare.
“The knowledge I have you can relay to the players but when they step onto the pitch, they have to execute, be brave and take on a club like Orlando Pirates and that’s what they did.
“But I’m proud of them and only take positives ahead of facing SuperSport [on Friday].”
