SuperSport United assistant coach Andre Arendse has shared words of advice to Christian Saile after the attacker missed a penalty in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
Arendse was in charge of SuperSport as head coach Gavin Hunt is serving a two-match suspension incurred from a red card in the Magesi FC league game at Seshego Stadium a week ago. This game followed Hunt’s 1000th top-flight league match as a coach.
Matsatsantsa succumbed to a 5-4 loss to the Buccaneers on penalties after the match ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Saile missed a penalty that led to Pirates progressing to the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup, keeping their dreams of winning the competition for the third time in a row alive.
Saile joined the Tshwane-based side in the January transfer window period on loan from Kaizer Chiefs.
WHAT ANDRE ARENDSE SAID ABOUT CHRISTIAN SAILE
Arendse mentioned that Saile ought to stay positive and not feel disheartened by the events in the match against the Sea Robbers.
“What I can tell him is that, ‘head up, boy’. Nobody likes to miss a penalty. In fact, he didn’t miss it, it was saved. So, I think it’s important for him to understand that his penalty was saved, not necessarily a miss,” said Arendse.
“So, we will lift him up, and we will go again. I know it is never easy, but there is so much to be proud about the players from today’s [Saturday] game.”
SUPERSPORT UNITED STILL TRYING TO FIND SUITABLE POSITION FOR SAILE
Arendse also revealed how they intend to utilise Saile as the 2024/25 season progresses.
“He is settling well. He is a quality player. We are trying to find what position fits him best because he is very good on the wings for us,” he added.
“But he can also play with two strikers upfront with his runs into the channels. So, we are giving him different options as a player.”
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