Benni lights fire under slow-starting City side
AFTER tackling log leaders Baroka FC earlier this week, Cape Town City have another loftily-placed opponent to negotiate when they take on Golden Arrows at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, near Durban, tomorrow night (kickoff 8.15pm).
City and Baroka played to a 1-1 draw at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday – and, as it stands now, the Polokwane side continues to top the PSL standings with 18 points, followed by Arrows and City on 16 points. As such, as the Capetonians prepare for what should be tough encounter, there is certainly a great deal to play for.
City coach Benni McCarthy cut a frustrated figure during the first half against Baroka on Tuesday. His team looked lethargic and they were fortunate not to concede during that period. Fortunately, they found their feet in the second half and, in the end, should really have gone on to win. But McCarthy was clear about the main problem that’s concerning him.
“We have to change our attitude,” said the City coach. “We cannot wait for the other team to score before we wake up. We have to go at it from the first whistle. We have to get back to the spirit and attitude we had before the international break. We must make sure that we have that neversay-die approach, the commitment, the temperament and the desire to always play with heart.
“Against Baroka, we were disjointed in the first half. It was only after they scored that there seemed to be extra energy, players were bombing forward and were making better decisions. We need to do that sooner.”
While, in the past, Arrows have always been there or thereabouts, under Clinton Larsen, the former Manning Rangers and Orlando Pirates midfielder, they have become a team to watch. Arrows’ elevated position on the log is no fluke.
“Arrows are similar to Baroka, in that they are on the move all the time,” said McCarthy. They’re difficult to play against. But they are different in that they will punish us if we perform in the same way we did in the first half against Baroka. We have to change, we have to start games better.”