Sibande relishing KZN derby
THE bad news for AmaZulu as they look to bring an end to their poor form in front of goal is that the man wearing their next opponent’s No 1 jersey is in uncompromising mood.
Golden Arrows goalkeeper Edmore Sibande is excitedly anticipating this weekend’s KwaZulu-Natal derby against Usuthu and has every intention to keep a clean sheet.
“I’m relishing the prospects of being part of the KZN derby,” Sibande said.
“It’s been a privilege for me to be trusted with the No 1 jersey and I want to prove I am worthy of it, especially this weekend.”
Such words will come as a blow to an Usuthu outfit desperate to bring their goal drought that has blighted the start of their new season to an end.
AmaZulu have scored just once in their four PSL matches, a poor return that has had led to talks of coach Cavin Johnson being in danger of losing his job.
Against Wits, Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City, the Durban-based outfit have failed to score. They only found the back of the net against Highlands Park and even then they were still on the losing side of a clash that ended 2-1.
Whether they will be able to breach the Arrows defence will be largely dependent on the work Johnson has done with his attack during the international break.
But defensively, Arrows will be ready for whatever their local rivals throws at them.
Sibande in particular is keen to have the game of his life, his desire to make the goalkeeping position his own for most of if not all of the season.
“I just want to add value to the team,” he said.
“That’s what I’m hoping for. I’m competing with quality goalkeepers and anyone can stand in my place if I’m not available.
“That’s why it is important for me to keep doing well so that I can command the No 1 jersey for the whole season.”
The Zimbabwean keeper is competing against Max Mbaeva and Nkosingiphile Gumede for the starting berth.
“The competition is what is pushing me. There’s no time to relax here at Arrows. Each and everyone of us is working hard at training. It is good for everyone to be on our toes. It is really good competition,” Sibande said.
Sibande has kept two cleans sheets in four matches, but he is not entirely happy with those statistics.
“Not really, you can never be happy. You can never be satisfied as a player. Once you get satisfied, that’s your downfall. You always want to keep going,” Sibande said.
“I could have kept three clean sheets if I didn’t concede a penalty against Chippa United but you can always hope and pray for better.”
Against Bloemfontein Celtic, Sibande was embarrassed as he conceded five goals in 5-0 defeat for Arrows.
“When you’ve done this for a long time, you understand that it is part of the game,” Sibande said.
“There are always these setbacks in football. But it is how you pick yourself up. It is a mental thing. Once you drop your head, it is hard to come back.
“It is all about keeping your head up and understanding the dynamics of the game.
“It was really bad for me.”