Will changing keepers work wonders for Pirates

Orlando Pirates FC have proven to be trendsetters as the Soweto team has set-up a new policy to rotate their goalkeepers throughout the season. It is unknown why the team decided to go for the strange arrangement. The policy has come to the rescue for Pirates' number two shot-stopper, Senzo Mayiwa, as he is rarely featured by the club unless the club's number one goalkeeper, Moeneeb Josephs, is unavailable.

(Orlando Pirates No 2 goalkeeper, Senzo Mayiwa will get a chance to plays half of the season's games)
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Moeneeb is still the best keeper
Though Pirates has not officially stated as to why they have come up with the new policy, it is obvious that Moeneeb Josephs will not be around for too long as age is playing its part. Josephs, 32, has been Orlando Pirates' first choice goalkeeper since his arrival in 2008. The 32 year-old Capetonian has been consistent in keeping his impressive form and his retirement from international football in May 2012 hinted how highly committed he is to Orlando Pirates. The rotation may be great news for Sonzo but he will have to earn his place in the team's starting line-up. " It is better for me to get game time and you can see Moeneeb is getting older, so I must be happy," said Pirates goalkeeper, Senzo Mayiwa to the reporters on Thursday, 23 August 2012.

(Orlando Pirates goalkeepers at a training seesion, on the left is Moeneeb Josephs and right is Senzo Mayiwa)
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Pirates should keep its winning formula
Age might have played a factor in the implementation of the new rotation policy, but the policy itself should be questioned because it does not make sense to put a player who is in good form on the bench as Moeneeb has proved his goalkeeping expertness even though ageing. One can argue Moeeb's ageing issue as we have witnessed a number of goalkeepers reaching their prime at a late stage of their careers. For example, former Pirates goalkeeper, William Opara reached his best form in his late 30s. I personally think that Pirates should re-look the new rotation policy before it backfires on the team. 

The Sea Robbers will dominate again

Orlando Pirates FC will be the team to beat this season. Pirates also known as the "Sea Robbers" have strengthened their squad, bringing in new signings and promoting a few development players to join the senior team. Pirates, unlike their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, have taken a different course on signing new players.They have focused on signing attacking players as the likes of Collins Mbesuma and Takesure Chinyama were confirmed to have joined the team on 15 August 2012.

(Orlando Pirates squad at the Premiere Soccer League awards as they were crowned team of the year for the 2011/12 season)www.teamkickoff.com

New signings will benefit the team

The new signings will add depth to the squad which will be fighting to defend their league title, MTN8, and the Telkom Knockout cup. I am impressed with the fact that Pirates did not leave the "Issac Chansa-position" issue unattended as he left the team for China. The team brought in Onyekachi Okonkwo to fill in Chansa's position. It was crucial to do so as Pirates will be taking part in the African Champions League. The "Sea Robbers" play an attacking style of football  but Okonkwo's addition to the squad will balance the team's dynamics because he is a defencive mid-fielder but can also attack at times. " We had to find a replacement for Issac as it is obvious that he's departure was major" said Pirates coach, Augusto Palacios, at a conference held by the team. (www.kickoff.co.za)

Orlando Pirates are good at benchmarking as it can be arguably said that the cause of their signings may be behind the fact that their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, have strengthened their defence force. But one can also argue that Pirates has the best defence, therefor this sums up that Pirates has the best squad in the Premiere Soccer League.

Players who have joined Orlando Pirates this season

• Collins Mbesuma
• Onyekachi Okonkwo
• Takesure Chinyama

South Africa prepares for the Afrcan football tournament

(African Cup of Nations (Afcon) logo. South Africa will be hosting the tournament in January 2013)www.news24.co.za

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is determined to make the Africa Cup of Nations a success as South Africa were handed over to host the tournament in January 2013. South Africa is known for being good hosts/organisers after it has successfully organised a number of global events. Though when it comes to football, as a hosting country, the success of the tournament is not only measured on the technical side but also on how the hosting team performs.

(FNB Stadiums is one the the stadiums that are going to be used during the Afcons)www.viralkings.com

South Africa has what it takes to host the Afcons
Yes, South Africa may have the best training facilities, stadiums, warm crowd and even handful of sponsors behind the tournament but does that guarantee the supporters that the national team will win the tournament? On 30 June 2012, SAFA appointed a new national coach, Gordon Igesund, to bring back the national team to its winning ways after displaying poor performance under former coach Pitso Mosimane, playing seven games and winning none. Igesund, who is the most decorated coach in South Africa, winning four Premiere Soccer League (PSL) titles with four different teams, has a difficult task ahead of him. With only six months to prepare the boys, SAFA has set an unrealistic objective for the coach to win the tournament with a team that is ranked 67th in the world.

South Africa had originally failed to qualify for the Afcons but became the hosting country after Libya bailed out, South Africa got automatic selection. Gordon Igesund is arguably the best coach in the country but even he admitted that it would be tough to achieve what SAFA had set for him. At a press conference held in July 2012 at the SAFA House, Igesund mentioned said he would take advise from PSL coaches with regards to player selections and is grateful for the support he has received from the fans and the South African media. Gordon's appointment has brought positive energy ahead of the Afcons. Should South Africa win the tournament, from a public relations point of view, it would be a successfully organised event as it would bring gain to both the supporters and the organising committee.

Stadiums that are going to be used for the Afcons

• FNB Stadium                                                 Johannesburg
• Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium                         Port Elizaberth
• Royal Bafokeng Stadium                                 Rusternburg
• Moses Mabhida Stadium                                 Durban

 

Sponsorships have an impact in South African football

(On the left is chairman of Kazer Chiefs, Kaizer Motaung and on the right is chairman of Orlando Pirates, Dr Ivan Khoza at the launch of the Carling Black Label Cup.www.soccerladuma.com) 

Six days back, Orlando Pirates FC and Kaizer Chiefs FC both sponsored by Carling Black Label locked horns in the second edition of the Carling Black Label Cup which Pirates won on penalties (5-4), after a one all draw. The match popularly known as the Soweto Derby proved that sponsorships are becoming a key factor in football clubs enhancing their image, performance and getting their supporters fully behind them.

The match against Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs was a sponsorship activity, where supporters where given the opportunity to select the starting line-up for both teams, and it was a success as over 10.5 million votes were casted by football fans. The match was played at FNB stadium and was fully packed. Stadium Management SA released a statement saying, "we are confident that this year's edition will be sold out." (www.mtnfootball.com) 

It is a mutual benefit deal
Sponsorship deals between organisations and football clubs are made to benefit both parties involved as the organisation seek to create public awareness, brand loyalty and work on attitudes in order for the public to view them in a positive light. For example, Orlando Pirates are also sponsored by Vodacom, therefor its supporters may see it good to use Vodacom network as its sponsors their favourite team. Clubs on the other hand may benefit in a form of receiving money from their sponsors.

Some South African football teams have had long-lasting relationships with their sponsors. For example, Vodacom and Orlando have been have had a solid sponsorship deal for more than five years. Organisations are aware that they might not benefit directly as clubs do but they expect a return in terms of publicity.

Successful sponsorship deals in South African football

• Orlando Pirates and Vodacom sponship deal
• Kaizer Chiefs and Vodacom sponsorship deal
• Moroka Swallows and Volkswagen sponsorship deal
• Supersport and DSTV sponsorship deal