Police must arrest faultlines

Police have to leave no room for error when they take on Gold Cup semifinalists Swallows in a Border Super League encounter at BCM Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

That’s how Police can end their losses against the Super League reigning champions from Mdantsane NU1, who beat them twice last season, said Police coach Kauta Gqabantshi.

Gqabantshi told the Daily Dispatch there were mixed emotions in the camp, and his players were determined to prove they were the best – as shown in their winning the Super 12 tournament.

Police have played three games so far, and have won all their games to collect a tally of 14 points. Swallows also won all their three matches – with one bonus point – and are sitting in the runners-up position with 15 points.

At the summit of the Super League log are the new boys on the block, Ncera Leopards, who have won their four games to collect 18 points.

“We are excited because we are going up against guys who did very well in the Gold Cup this year.

“But we are also going into this tournament as the Super 12 champions, which is a boost to the team confidence.

“So I cannot lie, it’s going to be a tough game and, above all, the team that will make less mistakes will win on the day,” said Gqabantshi.

Swallows managed to outplay Police on more than one occasion last season. They beat Police in the Old Boys Nashua Tournament and in their league fixtures.

“Now we are going to come out and see who’s the strong side, and Swallows have that attitude that says it’s easy to beat Police.

“But they must also understand that the team they are going to play is not the same team that they played at the Nashua tournament last year.

It’s a different team.”

Police have four players that were injured during their inspiring 36-21 victory against a strong Fort Hare Blues side in Alice.

“We have a few minor injuries that we’ve been nursing from Monday until Thursday, and we’ll then make a fitness assessment and see who makes the cut.

“I’d say four players sustained knocks in their last game, and one guy that has been our key player will be missing. He will be attending his mother’s funeral, but I can’t mention names because the opposition will plan according to those names.

“That player has been consistent in the team. He played all the Super 12 games up until the last game, but unfortunately he can’t play this game.

“To us, playing against Swallows is like we are playing the final already, so we’ve made sure that we are prepared for the game,” said Gqabantshi.

We are going to see who’s the strong side and they have that attitude