Truter Faces Challenges Keeping Players Engaged During Prolonged Preseason

Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter says it has been challenging to keep training interesting for the players due to an extended preseason.

The league start was delayed from August to 14 September after DStv unexpectedly withdrew as the title sponsor. This forced the PSL to find a new sponsor, Betway, who has to do so much including the implementation of new league parameters.

While the delay has been a struggle for Bay, it has also allowed Truter to formulate and implement a plan and integrate new players.

Truter was appointed last month following the departure of Vusi Vilakazi, who saved the club from relegation last season through the PSL promotion and relegation playoffs.

Due to the short time the team had and playing until late June, they had little time to rest and started their preseason on 3 July. This has made for a long three months, which is not ideal for the players.

Despite the challenges, the positive aspect is that Truter is familiar with the club, having previously coached it in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and reuniting with some familiar faces.

Truter's Insights on Training Challenges

“It has been a huge challenge,” admits Truter regarding keeping the sessions interesting.

“There’s no other PSL team that has been in the playoffs, come out of the playoffs, and then started the preseason with the expectation of starting in mid-August.”

“The extra month has been challenging for the players. But we have to stay focused and remind them why they’re here. We’re also trying to manage fatigue and workload as much as possible.

“Physically, we can manage. But mentally, it’s a whole different ball game. The players are responding to the methods, but keeping them focused is an ongoing process until the league starts.”

Bay, like those who played in the MTN8 and CAF club competitions, has had some competitive games, playing in the KZN Premier’s Cup in July and the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Legacy Cup this past weekend, where they lost on penalties to KZN ABC Motsepe League side Njaphela United in the final.

Bay will start the 2024/25 Betway season by hosting TS Galaxy at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday (15:00).