Inter City FC head coach Bradley August has released seven players and replaced them with 15 new signings for the upcoming ABC Motsepe League campaign.
The former Bafana Bafana player revealed he now requires two more players – a utility player and one winger – to complete his puzzle for his squad of only 24 players for the season.
“Gone are the days where you have big squads with 28 and 30 players and then you sit with a lot of players moping and sulking before they are not getting game time,” you know August stated to No Bones with Jones.
“I prefer to keep my squad small, making it more manageable as well. You must also bear in mind there’s only 24 games. So, I’m having a like for like in each position. Also, players don’t really get injured that quick and it ensures good morale in the squad and it keeps everyone motivated.
“But that is just my way of thinking. Look, in the Third Division it’s different as you play double headers and sometimes midweek games, so you need a big squad for that league, ” August added.
August will be the first to admit that they did not have the best of starts to the season after getting knocked out of the Nedbank Cup losing 1-2 to Grassy Park United in their second game after beating Santos by the same score a week prior.
He is fully aware that much is expected from him this season. Inter is also one of the few clubs who started earlier than their rivals and they also train in the mornings.
“I must be honest and say I was very disappointed with that (Nedbank Cup) result and even more disappointed with last week’s loss because we were leading the game in the first half,” August bemoaned, then we made a bad mistake at the back after half time and got punished.”
August further explained. “We don’t want the same start as last season and you know what happened the first five games last season. We want to better the results from last season. It’s gonna be a tough season but we prepared well so we are ready to fight and battle.
“On the bright side, there are still players locked up at LFA level and others are playing in the Coke Cup. Not forgetting the transfer window only closes at the end in October so there are possibilities,” August concluded.
August and troops can bounce with three home matches against Seaside Spurs, Hout Bay United FC and Hanover Park FC which could kickstart theior season.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY MARK WARD
