Arrows wary of AmaZulu
GOLDEN Arrows and AmaZulu are in desperate need of maximum points for different reasons. The teams square off at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont on Saturday (3pm kick-off) in what promises to be a thrilling PSL encounter.
Usuthu are searching for a first win in the new season, while Abafana Bes’thende are out to keep their unbeaten home run intact.
Arrows coach Steve Komphela explained why it is important for them to keep their winning momentum in their own territory.
“We need to keep pushing. If you win your home matches, it gives you a great chance to finish in a respectable position on the log come the end of the season. It is... important to know your conditions... and then take advantage and use it, which is what we are doing,” Komphela said.
Arrows boast a 100 percent record at home after winning the two games they’ve played. They swept past Maritzburg United in their opening encounter and then brushed aside Chippa United.
Komphela and his troops will tackle Usuthu high in confidence but he is wary of the danger that his opponents may pose.
“That’s when they are very dangerous (when they are low in confidence). They come up well prepared. Sometimes when you are winning and the confidence is there, some level of complacency creeps in,” he said.
“We know that they will be coming here saying we’ve got to get our first three points, and we need to win our matches, and this is a derby which makes things very difficult for us.
“We know the quality they have and the coach and we just have to prepare properly.”
Usuthu have had a nightmare start to the new season. In four league outings they have lost three and drawn one and coach Cavin Johnson is walking a tight rope.
Arrows’ in-form Zimbabwe players Knox Mutizwa and Divine Lunga are expected to cause problems for Usuthu. Komphela is hoping the duo return from international duty refreshed and injury-free.
“We are expecting Mutizwa and Lunga back on Thursday (tomorrow). It is a challenge when you have international players,” Komphela said.
Mutizwa proved to be the difference for Abafana Bes’thende in their last home game, netting the winner at the death against Chippa.
“I think one of the reasons they have been chosen to go and represent their country is because of their performances at club level. I just hope they come back without injuries. They should be fresh so that they can carry on where they left off,” Komphela concluded.