Old Durban rivals set for collision

An explosive match is expected when Durban’s old rivalry is reignited as Golden Arrows and AmaZulu FC come up against each other at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The teams come into the match fresh from good results in midweek where Arrows scored a big 3-1 win over defending champions Bidvest Wits, while Usuthu drew with in-form Maritzburg United.

Abafana Bes’thende coach Clinton Larsen (above) was impressed by his team’s application in the win over the Students.

“We produced a good attacking display with plenty of pace and good movement in attack. We struggled at times to deal aerially with (Amr) Gamal and later (Eleazar) Rodgers but did just about enough to get over the line,” said Larsen.

“The players deserve all the credit for the energy and commitment shown throughout the match,” said Larsen.

His team were sharp in their counter-attacks and clinical upfront and if they bring the same game on Sunday, Usuthu could be in for a tough afternoon.

But Cavin Johnson’s team also looked good as they held Maritzburg to a draw on Tuesday, and left the Westbury-born mentor in a cheerful mood, although he noted some issues of concern they need to work on.

“They (Maritzburg) are at the top of the league. For us to get a point from them I think it’s good thing, but at the same time we had one or two chances in the first half which we could have buried,” said Johnson.

“We let in an easy goal – an own goal – but it happens in football. Then after that we had to push. When we did push they played some long-ball stuff. We got the goal but I thought at that moment when we were behind we began pushing and could have stolen it in the end,” he added.