Real Native coach Bucs Mthombeni targets promotion with experienced squad

Real Native coach Bucs Mthombeni is relying on a more experienced squad to secure promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship after the club narrowly missed out on a place in last season’s promotion play-offs.

Real Native, who competed as Casric Stars last season, finished fourth in the league following an impressive campaign. However, their final position was not enough to earn promotion or a play-off place.

Mthombeni believes a lack of experience prevented the team from achieving its objective. The coach has since recruited a number of seasoned players, including Thamsanqa Masiya, Ofentse Kgosana, Kamohelo Pheenae and Vicky Mkhawana.

The club has signed 16 players in total, with Mthombeni aiming to create greater competition and cover across the squad.

“We will now have depth in each and every position. Before, players we were signing were coming from theABC Motsepe League, SAB, and even from our development structures,” Mthombeni said.

“But all the 16 players that we signed are experienced. We signed two players per position, and 80% of our squad are experienced. They have been in the game for long, and some of them won promotion with Durban City and Kruger United. I think they are going to bring balance to the team.”

Real Native begin their new campaign against Cape Town City at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

Mthombeni said the extended break before the new season had benefited the team, particularly because Real Native were not involved in the PSL promotional play-offs as they had been previously.

The additional time allowed the club to identify new players and start preparations earlier than in previous seasons.

“I think everything went very well because we started earlier than in other seasons. We were able to identify talent, and we had enough time for our preparations, unlike other seasons,” he said.

“The team is ready now for the first game.”

The coach will hope the changes to his squad can help Real Native improve on last season’s fourth-place finish and turn a strong league run into promotion.

All matches listed below kick off at 15:00.

Friday

Real Native v Cape Town City, Solomon Mahlangu Stadium

Venda v Lerumo, Thohoyandou

Saturday

Hope v University of Pretoria, Athlone

Hungry Lions v Gomora, Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium

Leicesterford v Orbit, Lucas Moripe Stadium

Wanderers v Magesi, Mpumalanga Stadium

North-West University v Upington, Fanie Du Toit Stadium

Bees v Highbury, KaNyamazane Stadium