Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has provided the latest update from the team's camp in Rustenburg.
The Buccaneers are in day four of the first phase of their pre-season in the North West and since their arrival there, regular updates have been coming through via the club's social media platforms.
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Maela has painted a picture of how it has been so far, with the squad having also been joined by their new teammates who have recently been signed.
"Another pre-season camp, you know, luckily this time we know the coaches (and) we know what they want from us (and) what they expect from us during this pre-season camp. And so far, so good, you know, we've been working really, really hard to make sure that we get our pace back (and) to make sure that we get our fitness levels back. It's been exciting to come back and spend time with the gents, (and) spend time with the guys," said Maela, speaking through Bucs' media department.
"You know the team chemistry is building again, the new gents are also getting to gel with their new teammates. It's important for us, the players that have been here for longer to make sure that we bring them closer and feel the vibe here in our pre-season camp," he said.
"I think team building exercises go a long way into the season because you get to know your teammates better and the more, we do that, the more we will improve collectively," the defender concluded.
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Meanwhile, newly signed goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi has spoken publicly for the first time as a Buccaneer after joining from TS Galaxy.
"I think everything is going well so far and I think with my presence here with the guys and the coaches, everyone has given me a warm welcome, and that's how I would put it. With regards to the pre-season, everything is going well so far and I'm happy. I am delighted that we have gathered here as a team in order to have a team building exercise as I think that will help us to get to know each other better, especially for us, the new players in the team. I think this will make it easier for us to gel with the team while having conversations among ourselves," said Buthelezi.
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— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 5, 2023
?? 2023/24 Preseason
?? Rustenburg ????
?? Captain | Innocent Maela
?? Goalkeeper | Melusi Buthelezi
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