Arrows have a Mhango plan
ORLANDO Pirates talisman Gabadinho Mhango has been menacing against most of the PSL clubs but Lamontville Golden Arrows have a plan to keep him at bay when they face the Sea Robbers at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban on Saturday (6pm kick-off).
Mhango is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot with 14 strikes so far this season.
Steve Komphela, coach of Abafana Bes’thende, is aware of the threat that Mhango will pose for his side but has a plan in place to nullify his threat.
“We have to acknowledge his qualities. One, he runs off the shoulder. He is good on one on one’s. He’s got skill and speed. He can finish. So, be alert and be aware of that,” Komphela said.
Mhango will be looking to add to his goal tally and help Pirates get back to winning ways.
“Whatever happens, if the ball goes to him, be on maximum concentration. If he gets into the box make it a point that he doesn’t get the right angles. If the ball is played over the top, be ready that he doesn’t receive. When you are in possession be ready that he can get the ball as soon as they get it back. Those are all elements talking to our mental requirements on the day. We need to be highly concentrated,” he added.
Opposition teams have struggled at Sugar Ray Xulu. The likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, Stellenbosch FC, AmaZulu, Polokwane City, Highlands Park, AmaZulu, Baroka FC, Maritzburg United and Chippa United have all failed claim maximum points in Clermont.
“It is a nice hunting ground for us.” Komphela is expecting an open game. “Pirates are one of the ball playing teams in the country. Arrows are trying to play the football the right way. Saturday, should be a hell of a good match to watch.
“It is going to be us going at them. We don’t hold back and they will be coming at us. It will be a question of who’s more concentrated. When we get it, go to them. Can they copy and can we copy? Now, again, finesse, who’s got the better understanding of putting the ball in the net. We should be ready from the striker point of view. You can have as many attacks but if you don’t put the ball at the back of the net, it becomes a problem,” Komphela articulated.