Mthatha Bucks coach Ian Palmer wants to sign two more defenders as he hopes to bolster the team and achieve his mandate of qualifying the team for the NFD playoffs.
Currently, Amathol’ amnyama are seventh on the log with 21 points after 15 games. Palmer, who has been hard at work trying to get the team ready for his first game against Jomo Cosmos at the Mthatha Stadium on Saturday, believes if he can add a right-back and central defender to the team, he will have enough depth to finish third.
However, with the transfer window closed for this season, the only option left is to sign a free agent.
While Bucks have the highest number of draws (nine) so far, they have only lost twice with leaders Thanda Royal Zulu being the only side yet to lose.
When Palmer was given the coaching job, he was told to qualify the team for the playoffs.
This means he has to finish at least third on the log.
At present, there are only three points separating Bucks and third placed Witbank Spurs.
The former Orlando Pirates striker who took Maritzburg United from the NFD to the PSL believes he can deliver. “I'm currently working on the depth, in terms of getting an experienced centre-back and right- back. I think with the acquisition of those two, the ability to compete and to get to the play-offs.
“This team will have the quality and ability to get to the playoff spot. I just need to beef up those positions,” he said.
The need to bolster the defence was also confirmed by Bucks chief operations officer Lunga “Doc” Tukute when they introduced the five attack-minded players that were signed during the break.
“I know you might ask us where is the defenders, because we have been leaking goals in the first round, but he’s on his way. Defence is one of our priority area signings,” he said.
To prepare the team for the second half of the season, Palmer took the team to KwaZulu Natal for the mid-season break where he played friendly games against PSL outfit Golden Arrows, NFD side Real Kings and Ethekwini Coastal.
“I think the players have a fantastic attitude and good work ethic. “The team spirit is fantastic. I was surprised when I got here at such a fantastic team spirit. They also made my settling in very easy.
“Look, tactically it's a little bit slow but they're adapting,” he said.
Whenever Bucks play at home, the stadium is always packed – something that the team feeds off on. But Palmer has identified a lack of tactical discipline in Bucks' game.
The lack of tactical discipline was visible when Bucks squandered a health two goal lead to draw with Amazulu last year.
“At this point in time it doesn't matter how they play as long as we the maximum points. I've also looked at the style of play when we played competitive friendlies and I think the way that they play at times they lack the tactical discipline,” he said.
“They just need to know in which areas to express themselves. And by doing that, we won't really interfere much with their style of play because if you do that, you might disrupt the rhythm of the team and that could cost you.”
Bucks to shore up defence
Currently, Amathol’ amnyama are seventh on the log with 21 points after 15 games. Palmer, who has been hard at work trying to get the team ready for his first game against Jomo Cosmos at the Mthatha Stadium on Saturday, believes if he can add a right-back and central defender to the team, he will have enough depth to finish third.
However, with the transfer window closed for this season, the only option left is to sign a free agent.
While Bucks have the highest number of draws (nine) so far, they have only lost twice with leaders Thanda Royal Zulu being the only side yet to lose.
When Palmer was given the coaching job, he was told to qualify the team for the playoffs.
This means he has to finish at least third on the log.
At present, there are only three points separating Bucks and third placed Witbank Spurs.
The former Orlando Pirates striker who took Maritzburg United from the NFD to the PSL believes he can deliver. “I'm currently working on the depth, in terms of getting an experienced centre-back and right- back. I think with the acquisition of those two, the ability to compete and to get to the play-offs.
“This team will have the quality and ability to get to the playoff spot. I just need to beef up those positions,” he said.
The need to bolster the defence was also confirmed by Bucks chief operations officer Lunga “Doc” Tukute when they introduced the five attack-minded players that were signed during the break.
“I know you might ask us where is the defenders, because we have been leaking goals in the first round, but he’s on his way. Defence is one of our priority area signings,” he said.
To prepare the team for the second half of the season, Palmer took the team to KwaZulu Natal for the mid-season break where he played friendly games against PSL outfit Golden Arrows, NFD side Real Kings and Ethekwini Coastal.
“I think the players have a fantastic attitude and good work ethic. “The team spirit is fantastic. I was surprised when I got here at such a fantastic team spirit. They also made my settling in very easy.
“Look, tactically it's a little bit slow but they're adapting,” he said.
Whenever Bucks play at home, the stadium is always packed – something that the team feeds off on. But Palmer has identified a lack of tactical discipline in Bucks' game.
The lack of tactical discipline was visible when Bucks squandered a health two goal lead to draw with Amazulu last year.
“At this point in time it doesn't matter how they play as long as we the maximum points. I've also looked at the style of play when we played competitive friendlies and I think the way that they play at times they lack the tactical discipline,” he said.
“They just need to know in which areas to express themselves. And by doing that, we won't really interfere much with their style of play because if you do that, you might disrupt the rhythm of the team and that could cost you.”
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