Arrows hoping they’ll be sharp enough against Ajax
THERE will definitely be celebrations in the Golden Arrows camp this afternoon. Whether it’s a single or double celebration is the question.
Win, lose or draw, the Golden boys of the Arrows reserve team have already been crowned Multichoice Diski Challenge champions. This afternoon after their clash against Bidvest Wits in umlazi they will receive the trophy and medals for the second time in three editions – the first time a club has won the title twice.
While the youngsters celebrate, their senior brethren head into a “Sunday sixpointer” against Ajax Cape Town in a 3.15pm Premiership relegation rumble in Kwamashu. Defeat for fourth-bottom Arrows at the Princess Magogo Stadium will see the Durban side overtaken by their guests who occupy the penultimate rung on the log ladder.
Arrows coach Clinton Larsen relishes the challenge and is hopeful that the positive vibes from the reserve side will filter through to the senior team, especially since they train as a single unit, often Baroka 1 Polokwane City 1
Maritzburg United 2 Platinum Stars 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Supersport United 1 Cape Town City 1 Wits 2
Kaizer Chiefs L Bloemfontein Celtic L
Free State Stars L Amazulu L
TOMORROW
Golden Arrows v Ajax cape Town 3.15pm Chippa United v Orlando Pirates 3.30pm
P W D L F Apts Mamelodi Sundowns 22 12 4 6 34 19 40 Maritzburg United ..... 22 9 7 6 27 14 34 Kaizer Chiefs ............ 21 8 10 3 19 12 34
with as many as 36 players.
“We’re very thrilled with what they achieved. To do it two out of three seasons with limited resources is an amazing feat. We’re looking for Orlando Pirates ......... 21 8 Free State Stars ........ 21 9 Cape Town City ......... 22 9 Baroka FC ................. 22 6 Wits ........................... 22 7 Chippa United ........... 21 5 Amazulu .................... 21 6 Supersport United .... 22 6 Bloemfontein Celtic...20 6 Golden Arrows .......... 21 4 Polokwane City ......... 21 4 Ajax Cape Town ........ 21 5 Platinumstars .......... 22 3 9 4 22 18 33 6 6 22 21 33 4 9 21 21 31 10 6 26 29 28 7 8 20 23 28 12 4 18 15 27 8 7 20 24 26 8 8 20 24 26 7 7 18 24 25 11 6 23 24 23 11 6 22 25 23 6 10 19 23 21 8 11 14 29 17
an opportunity to give them playing time in the first team over the next nine games,” said Larsen.
“Velemseni Ndwandwe, Yusuf Jappie, Nduduzo Sibiya, Thabani Zuke have played recently. Sibusiso Sibeko is back from injury and can force his way into the first team, given the number of injuries we currently have.
“Yes it’s forced changes but it forces us to throw the youngsters into the deep end. Most often than not they don’t disappoint,” Larsen elaborated.
The Abafana Bes’thende faithful will pray this is one game where the youngsters in the side can inspire veterans like Limbikani Mzava and Musa Bilankulu to help the team turn the corner.
Larsen is optimistic that if they replicate their performance from the last outing, a 2-1 home defeat to Wits, and eliminate individual errors, they’ll win. “The team gave us everything we wanted against Wits, offensively and defensively, and the signs are there that it’s a matter of time before we get a win.
“We also hope to play on their desperation. They’re in a catch-22 situation – do they come out and play an open game, or sit back, absorb the pressure and play on the break? Whichever way it is we’ve got to impose ourselves and score first.”