Mpheni owner and coach Sydwell Phuravhathu.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Mpheni Defenders are set for a different approach this season, with coach and owner Sydney Phuravhathu promising an attacking brand built around possession, creativity and goals.
Undoubtedly the most successful coach in the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League, Phuravhathu has won the Stream championship more times than any other coach. Now he wants to add a new dimension to his winning formula, with “carpet football and goals galore” the order of the day.
The Mpheni mentor has reshaped his squad during the off-season, releasing several established players and bringing in fresh talent as he looks to build a team suited to his new footballing philosophy.
Greater emphasis will be placed on possession, quick passing and creativity in the final third, with Phuravhathu looking for a more expansive approach from his side.
He has also strengthened his technical team with the addition of Peace Khosa, who previously coached Tzaneen United and Nkowankowa Continental.
Khosa guided Tzaneen United to the Stream B title and holds a CAF B Licence, adding valuable experience to Mpheni’s technical setup.
The new-look Mpheni side will get an early test of its new approach this weekend when they begin their Nedbank Cup campaign against newly promoted ABC FC.
ABC FC have experienced mentor Owen Da Gama as their Director of Coaching, adding another layer of experience to an intriguing opening assignment for Phuravhathu and his revamped squad.
Having built a formidable winning record in Limpopo football, Phuravhathu is now looking to change the way Mpheni play without sacrificing the competitive edge that has made them one of the division’s most successful sides.
The message from the Mpheni camp is clear: carpet football and goals galore.