Pirates have been boosted by the return to fitness of key players in the build up to their all-important CAF Confederation Cup Final showdown with Etoile du Sahel.
The likes of Brighton Mhlongo, Sifiso Myeni, Happy Jele and Rooi Mahamutsa have all recovered from their respective injuries, and are available for the first leg tie at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Masalesa reveals that the injuries to any player in a team as closely knit as the Buccaneers has a major impact on the psyche of the team, even on the training ground.
“The team spirit has been good [leading up to this weekend’s match] because as players we prefer when the squad complete,” says ‘Viera’.
“We don’t like it when players are unavailable due to injuries or suspensions and things like that, so it’s better when everyone is available.
“It gives us a morale boost because, as much as we are teammates and colleagues, we’re also friends. If someone is injured, obviously then emotionally and psychologically they aren’t okay, and that affects the rest of the team too.
“Having Brighton and other players back is a major boost for us.”