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'Celtic is back in business'

Johannesburg - Preparations have stepped up a gear at Bloemfontein Celtic as coach Clinton Larsen ensures that his team will fire at all cylinders during the second round of the Absa Premiership starting next month.

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"The break comes at the time when I just have re-joined the club and I am happy that I will be able to install my coaching methods," Larsen said.

"We didn't fare badly in the first round even though there were games we should have easily won.

"The priority is to shape the boys in conditions that will be good enough to finish the season inside the top eight brackets."

Larsen returned to Masokolara after German coach Ernst Middendorp was shown the exit door as results were not forthcoming, something that did not pleased chairman Max Tshabalala last month.

Having steered Celtic to greater heights that saw him capturing the 2012 Telkom Knockout title, Larsen said he would not encounter any major challenges as he was familiar with the surroundings.

"It's good to be back. The previous coach left a good foundation and all I need to do is to change here and there before we hit the ground running.

"The players have been fantastic and with everybody pulling their weight, Celtic is back in the business of making their fans happy once again."

He was happy to have reunited with striker Lerato Manzini, a player who shone under Larsen's leadership at SuperSport where he was on loan from Celtic.

"Manzini is the type of player who can single-handedly win the match for you and I am glad to have him back," Larsen said.

"His prowess in front of goals will ease some pressure and I was shocked why he was allowed to leave Celtic in the first place."

Celtic has lined up a series of friendly matches against Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Moroka Swallows and Wits before taking on unbeaten log leaders Kaizer Chiefs in a league match at home next month.

"It is important to get the players in a good physical shape first.

"The friendly matches will gauge how far we can go and I am hopeful we are going to get something positive out of them."

In search of a defender, a defensive midfielder and a striker, Larsen said he was hopeful his bosses would fullfil his wish list.

"We have some players training with us but it is important that we get the players in positions so that we become a strong team when we resumes," Larsen said.

"The Chiefs game will be a huge test so it is imperative that we start working on all aspects of the game as soon as possible."

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