Following the Nedbank Cup final triumph, assistant coach Sergio Almenara of the Orlando Pirates celebrates with his head coach. X image courtesy of @OrlandoPirates

After winning the Nedbank Cup, the assistant coach of the Orlando Pirates departs from the team.  Sergio Almenara, the assistant coach, has decided to leave the team with mutual consent. Two days after the team successfully defended their domestic crown, this unexpected move has occurred.

At the beginning of the 2022–2023 season, Sergio Almenara joined the Buccaneers alongside head coach Jose Riveiro. Almenara was crucial in helping the squad win back-to-back doubles when he was there. solidifying his position as a key member of the coaching team.

The club stated, “Mr. Almenara had originally expressed his wish to leave the club earlier this year, but management decided to handle his request post-season in order to retain the team’s concentration and momentum during important league and cup stages.”

Remarkably, the Orlando Pirates have declared that they will not look for Almenara’s replacement right away. Rather, the team intends to use the offseason to bolster the technical, analysis, medical, and conditioning departments’ backroom staff and locate suitable replacements, in cooperation with Head Coach Riveiro.

Furthermore, the Orlando Pirates are preparing for a major team revamp in advance of the 2024–2025 DStv Premiership season. According to insider sources, the club intends to make significant adjustments in order to improve performance and simplify operations. Improved player development: A more focused, leaner team may be able to accelerate the growth of each individual player. It would enable more individualized training and improved coaching.

Sustaining success in the field requires cohesiveness. A smaller team improves team dynamics by encouraging cohesion and improved communication among players. A more efficient team allows for better tactical preparation and execution, giving them an advantage in competitive situations.

Athletes who handle their players more simply tend to be happier and more driven. It would boost the team’s morale as a whole. Due to fierce competition and little playing time, recent additions to the Orlando Pirates have had difficulty establishing themselves.

Following his arrival with the Buccaneers, Katlego Otladisa has had difficulty making a name for himself. The fact that Lesedi Kapinga doesn’t play much raises questions about his place on the squad. Siphelo Baloni, who left All Stars FC, is fighting for a spot on the field. Karim Kimvuid is looking for stability in the midst of a wild ride with the Buccaneers. Melusi Buthelezi is still getting used to his impact between the goalposts and Soweto life. Reduced playing time for Souaibou Marou is having an impact on the team’s forward line. Despite his promise, Azola Matrose is having difficulty breaking into the starting lineup.