Zuke hopes Arrows’ MDC team can find the mark again
2015/16 champs take on Chiefs in season opener
● Lamontville Golden Arrows’ MultiChoice Diski Challenge team is determined to emulate class of 2015/16 that clinched the reserve league title, according to the club’s midfielder, Thabani Zuke.
Last season, Abafana Bes’thende’s reserves finished 10th but Zuke is hopeful that this season they have what it takes to reclaim the title as they prepare to host Kaizer Chiefs in their opening fixture at Durban’s Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday (12pm).
“We did not do well last season but I believe that this time around we will win the title. We have many young players who are still hungry to showcase their talent. We have been playing many friendly matches, which has helped us to find right combinations,’’ Zuke told Sowetan yesterday.
The KZN-born midfielder is also eyeing a role in the Arrows first team this season, inspired by first-team players who turned out for the MDC side in previous seasons.
“I have been training with both sides [the MDC and the senior side]. That gives me hope that coach [Clinton] Larsen will use me in the first team as well. When you look at our senior squad, you see that many players started by playing for the reserves.
“Players like Nduduzo Sibiya [midfielder], Nkosingiphile Gumede [first-choice goalkeeper] started like me. I am inspired and motivated to work even harder,’’ said the 18-yearold SA Under-20 player.
Zuke understands that playing Chiefs won’t be a walk in the park because Amakhosi are still in hunt for their first MDC title and they are prepared to go all out this season.