Midlands Wanderers, the only local side competing in the National First Division (Motsepe Foundation Championship), are set to return stronger and with a fresh look when the new season kicks off.
The Pietermaritzburg-based outfit endured a challenging debut campaign in South Africa’s second-tier league, spending much of the season adapting to the demands of the NFD while fighting to avoid relegation.
However, founder and head coach Vincent “Masenti” Myeni believes the experience gained last season has prepared his team for a more ambitious campaign.
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Speaking to The Witness on Wednesday, Myeni confirmed that “Abafana Bebatha” returned to training this week and have already started preparations for the upcoming season.
“Things are looking okay. We came back from the break this week and started training. The team is likely to be stable because we have retained about 80% of the players who were with us last season,” the coach said.
The coach added that the club is also assessing potential new signings as they look to strengthen the squad.
We are currently looking at some players who could officially join us. We also have a couple of our own players who are being assessed by some Betway Premiership clubs.
“Hopefully, in the next week or two, we will have clarity and finalise those matters,” he said.
Reflecting on their first season in the NFD, Myeni admitted that it was a tough learning curve for the club, with survival being the main objective.
“Last season was all about making sure that we stayed in the NFD. It was our first season and we had to settle down, understand the league and survive. It was not easy at all,” he said.
But with a year of experience behind them, Myeni believes the team’s focus has now shifted from survival to progression. “This season will be different. We are no longer new to the league. We understand what is required and we want to build on where we finished last season.
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“It is about continuity and progression now, and we want to challenge for better positions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Midlands Wanderers are not the only local club making moves during the off-season.
KZN ABC Motsepe League representatives Mkhambathi FC are also believed to be working behind the scenes on player recruitment and possible transfers involving Premier Soccer League clubs, with the club expected to have a different look for the new campaign.
