Poser for KZN clubs
WITH seven rounds left in the Absa Premiership, KwaZulu Natal clubs, Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United, will have to do a bit of nifty juggling if they are to finish in the top eight.
Both teams suffered midweek losses on the road – Arrows were humbled 3-0 by Bidvest Wits who went top of the standings, and Maritzburg were downed 2-0 by Orlando Pirates, who registered their first league win in 13 matches.
The first loss in four league and cup assignments for Arrows left them in sixth spot, a position they will retain regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s home clash against Ajax Cape Town.
However, with up to five players sitting on three yellow cards, and a Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Platinum Stars to follow after Ajax, the Durban team face a tricky task in balancing league and cup demands.
It’s equally tough for eighthplaced Maritzburg. They are in a more vulnerable position ahead of tomorrow’s 5pm showdown against Baroka FC. The loss at Pirates also cost them after Brian Onyango and Deolin Mekoa were sent off.
It means they will miss the Kenyan international defender Onyango and junior international winger Mekoa against Baroka and the outing at Chippa United.
Arrows coach Clinton Larsen lamented their showing against Wits, although overall he is happy that the young squad maintained a strong presence in the top half of the standings in their second season following promotion.
Barring one change, he stuck with the same team that started the cup match, in a bid to maintain consistency, but fatigue and inexperience took its toll against Wits.
“We’ve got seven games to go. We’re still in a position where we’re competing for a top-eight place. We’re still a couple of points clear of the chasing pack. There are 21 points to play for and we’ll continue to fight for those points.”
After Saturday, they visit Polokwane City, host Sundowns, trek to Kaizer Chiefs, and tackle Baroka, Cape Town City and Pirates to close the season late next month.
The Team of Choice have only a top-eight place to target after they were bumped out of the cup in the first round.
They will target tomorrow’s game against Baroka to collect a win and consolidate their mid-table ranking.