United has endured an overhaul of its managerial team during the off-season, which has seen the high-profile departures of head coach Derrick Sampson and his lieutenant Morne de Koker. Sampson has since been replaced by former Boksburg coach Stephen Nel.
This adds to the excitement of the imminent season. With new coaching staff in place, little is known how United will play: will they stick to their traditional running game plan, or perhaps move in the more conservative direction?
Will they mix it up with both? Will Nel change much of Sampson’s ways?
It remains to be seen, and all will unfold during this campaign.
United’s first competitive fixture of the year will surely give a clearer picture when they host Brakpan on February 18 in an Assupol League clash. The much-anticipated Peregrine League gets underway in May.
The Advertiser spoke to the new man in charge about his approach to the task at hand after a visit to one of United’s training sessions.
“It’s a bit of a challenge,” admitted Nel, when asked for his thoughts about being the new man in the hot seat.
“The team did well last season under Derrick (Sampson), but with the players we have, I’m sure we’ll keep it up.”
On what fans can expect from the team, Nel commented: “We’ll take it as it comes. We’ve got systems in place and we’ve still got a few more things planned.
“I’m very optimistic. The players that I’ve seen from the past month or so of training have looked good. We are still missing a few players due to other commitments, so the players that I’ve already seen and what I know is coming makes me excited.” – @SabeloBoksburg
