Pule ready for new Pirates era

Orlando Pirates talisman Vincent Pule endured an emotional roller-coaster during the 2021/22 season and has mapped out his road back to the team under new coach Jose Riveiro.

The former Bidvest Wits star has spent almost a year on the sidelines and watched his teammates fall short of their targets while a serious injury reduced him to a spectator.

Pule only managed eight appearances in a Bucs shirt then but says he is finally over the setbacks as a new era begins with a new mentor at the helm.

"I'm back and the only problem is that match fitness [is lacking]. But I'm back and I'm going to make sure that I add value to the club again," said Pule.

"Being out for the longest time, seeing your mates cheering or crying after games feels heavy, and sometimes it's painful but you just accept that you're here and you must make sure you take the necessary steps to get over it."

He adds that the arrival of the Spaniard who has replaced co-coaches Fadlu Davids and Mandla Ncikazi, gives him and his teammates a clean slate to impress. 

"It's a fresh start for everyone, there's a lot of positive energy because everyone wants to push and impress the coach, and I think that's the good thing when a team gets a new coach," he continued.

"It brings a lot of excitement and everyone wants to push to say, 'I'm here, Coach... I have to make sure that I play.' So, I think it brings a lot of positive energy and everyone wants to push, and I think that's the energy we needed as a team."

By Mazola Molefe