Golden Arrows co-coach Mabhuti Khenyeza has voiced his honest thoughts on facing Steve Komphela’s Moroka Swallows in their DStv Premiership opener.
Abafana Bes’thende took all six points from the Dube Birds last season. They beat them 4-0 in the first round, a match that resulted in the sacking of Dylan Kerr.
The KZN outfit came back to claim a 1-0 victory over the Soweto-based club in March this year. They’ll be looking to continue their impressive run against the third-oldest club in the PSL.
However, Swallows have made some reinforcements, including the signings of the likes of Andile Jali and Dumisani Zuma. Meanwhile, Komphela also comes with immense experience and is expected to help elevate the club.
With Arrows looking to start on a high, Khenyeza says they are unfazed by facing the former Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach. He stated that, instead, the veteran tactician should be the one concerned about them.
MABHUTI KHENYENZA UNFAZED BY FACING STEVE KOMPHELA IN THE LEAGUE OPENER
“I think maybe he’s the one who’ll be more worried about us, how we prepare our approach,” Mabhuti Khenyeza told the media.
“But for us, it’s clear because we know coach Steve, especially from Free State [Stars], Celtic, Arrows and whatsoever. Yes, he’s been there [for quite some time] in the game.
“I think we know his ways. He once coached this club, and I think he’s the one who’ll be sceptical a bit on how we’ll prepare for him.
“Now, I mean that we won’t be worried about Swallows and coach Steve. But we’ll be worried about how our team functions on the day on the field, our tactical demands and approach.”
Khenyeza also emphasised the importance of starting on the right foot for his side to avoid the pressure that comes with a poor start.
‘IT’S IMPORTANT TO START WELL’
“I think it’s important to start on the right foot to earn maximum points from the beginning so that when we continue, we maintain what we have to do,” he added.
“Last time, we didn’t start well, and we didn’t collect enough points. And then now, that makes you chase all, but you know how football is.
“I always make examples all the time, some other teams were in the same position as us, but they played about five games and ended up with the ones who were on top. I think it’s important to start well more than anything and make sure that we don’t lose points.
“Especially considering that we’re playing home at Hammarsdale, and on Tuesday, we’re playing at Umlazi again. That is important.”
Arrows will take on Swallows on Saturday, 5 August, at their new home venue Mpumalanga Stadium at 15:00.
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