SuperSport seek revenge against Arrows
SuperSport United will be put to the test by an in-form Golden Arrows when the teams meet in a 2021/22 DStv Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 5pm CAT (SA, GMT+2) - Live on SuperSport PSL (channel 209).
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SuperSport got their league campaign off to a slow but steady start as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Town City at Athlone Stadium on August 21.
Matsatsantsa claimed 28 points from 15 home matches last season, suffering just one defeat (at the hands of their opponents for this fixture) in the process.
"A lot of positives to take out of the game [versus Cape Town City], we just need to take our chances going forward. It was a good shift and there is a lot to build on," said SuperSport captain Ronwen Williams.
"We are feeling good. We want to start on a positive note at home. Last season we did quite well at home and we want to keep that run going. Arrows are not an easy team to play against but we played them a few weeks ago [in the MTN8] and we know what they are about. We will go out there and fight."
Arrows opened their Premiership campaign with a 2-1 home win over KwaZulu-Natal rivals Maritzburg United at Princess Magogo Stadium on August 21. Siboniso Conco and Siphamandla Sabelo netted for the Durban side.
Abafana Bes’thende claimed 22 points from 15 away matches last season, with their only losses on the road coming against Cape Town City, Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs.
"What can you say, if the guys are willing to 'die' like that in the field of play then we can only say to them 'congratulations'," said Arrows head coach Lehlohonolo Seema, whose team has made a fast start to the campaign.
“Credit must go to the players, they played well. We are happy with the three points. We are working hard. We are making progress."
In head-to-head stats, SuperSport and Arrows have met in 40 league matches since the 2000/01 season. Matsatsantsa have claimed 19 wins compared to 13 for Abafana Bes’thende, while eight games have been drawn. The Tshwane side have recorded 10 wins and suffered five defeats from 20 home matches in the rivalry.
Arrows claimed a league ‘double’ over SuperSport last season, winning 3-1 at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in October 2020 and 1-0 away at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in April 2021. The Durban side has put together a three-game winning streak in this rivalry.
Players to watch- SuperSport United
Ronwen Williams:A huge part of SuperSport's success in cup competitions over the last decade, Williams has continued to improve with age. He now dons the captain's armband at the club and has taken up that responsibility with aplomb. The Bafana Bafana shot-stopper will be eager for his team to mount a sustained run at the league title this season and if he's able to stay injury free, there is no reason why they won't be able to do just that.
Sipho Mbule:Now donning the No 10 jersey at SuperSport - and rightfully so - Mbule is one of the most gifted young playmakers in the country. Terrific in patches throughout the last few seasons, Mbule will be eager for a sustained spell of form in the current campaign and early signs suggest he is ready to take his game to the next level.
Players to watch- Golden Arrows
Nduduzo Sibiya:Many felt that Arrows would fall away this season following an outstanding 2020/21 campaign under Mandla Ncikazi, but consistency in playing personnel has helped the team make a strong start to the season. Arrows have already beaten SuperSport in the MTN8 this season and Sibiya, who scored the winner in this fixture last season, will be aiming to inspire Abafana Bes’thende to back-to-back wins in the league.
Sifiso Mlungwana:Talking about consistency, Mlungwana played every minute of league football for Arrows last season and has established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the country. His form has been rewarded with a Bafana Bafana call-up and he will challenge Williams, Veli Mothwa and Bruce Bvuma for that No 1 jumper.
