Bucs are preparing for the MTN8 Final in Durban on Saturday against Moroka Swallows in what has been dubbed the "original Soweto Derby" and as it is standard procedure the PSL sent out a message out to the media, and another reminder this morning, informing us of the media opportunity to interview Krol and his players ahead of the Final.
However, Krol, who's always been friendly to the media, asked for the scribes to be removed from the training ground.
Most of the media had arrived at 10h00 and were informed of the coach's decision to chase us out at 12h00, after a two-hour wait for the opportunity to hear the players' views ahead of the Final and though some Journalists mentioned the club's spokesperson Mickey Modisane had tried to intervene Krol wouldn't budge.
When Krol chased away the media the team was set out to play eleven vs. eleven and in most cases the line-up for the match is usually one of the two.
It is alleged Krol's decision was based on wanting to keep his plan under wraps. Strangely, though, the media has always attended Pirates' training sessions and in most cases chat over general issues awaiting the players to conclude their sessions. Why Krol decided the media were not welcome this time around remains a mystery. Is he feeling the pressure?
The PSL has scheduled another press conference tomorrow in Durban, this time only the coaches will be available and it will be interesting to see whether Krol will speak to the media on Thursday…
MESSAGE FROM THE PSL TO THE MEDIA
"Orlando Pirates MTN8 Final Media Open day will take place at the Johannesburg Stadium's A Field today. Training starts at 10h00 with interviews taking place after training. Media are requested to please produce their PSL Accreditations in order to gain access to the Media Open Day."
Your comments on this story...
Klever van Tooka: 2010-09-29 13:27
We were at Swallows and spoke to whoever we wanted. Now, a successful team is professional on and off-the-field. I can't say the same about Pirates. The media built Pirates into what it is today & if all the media stops reporting about them today, tomorrow they will be nothing.
In fact what did they want during training because a slot for media to do interviews is allocated by sponsors? Or did want to fabricate another negative report about us especially ahead of a crucial encounter...in Krol you found a Berlin Wall...no-go-area.
I agree the media does need Pirates as much as you need them but my problem with you guys is the next thing before the final you will be reporting negatively about the team although you cannot substantiate your claims and this does not happen with our rival team. This neagtive reporting has an effect on the team, hence i stopped buying Kickoff magazine and Soccer Laduma.
If we stop reporting about Pirates I'm sure you will be the first to ask us why you don't get to read about your team anymore.
The KHOSI One
Mf2 Zobel will update us tomorrow whether Bhele can play or not, but I will get something for you pretty soon.
TTM, it means my question wont be answered today...eish this uneducated things.
Even though you chase the media, you wont chase Swai Swai..
Love & Peace .... Black & Gold