SuperSport United banking on Bradley Grobler, Christian Saile to cause Stellenbosch FC upset
Christian Saile Christian Saile (centre) will hope to score again for SuperSport United against Stellenbosch FC. Photo: BackpagePix
SuperSport United interim coach Andre Arendse could lead his team closer to safety if they beat Stellenbosch FC in the Premiership on Saturday.
SuperSport are languishing in the bottom half of the standings with 26 points, three ahead of Cape Town City, who hold the playoffs spot.
Matsantsantsa a Pitori have four games to play before the end of the season, something that could yield 12 points and safety if everything goes their way.
They have to put their money where their mouth is, though, by ensuring that they grind results in their next games, building on their recent 2-0 win over Chippa United.
Arendse, after being put in charge of the team following the sacking of Gavin Hunt in March due to a string of poor results, expressed his ample belief in his team.
He said the depth is there, so the only thing they need to do is to rediscover their confidence and get back to winning ways in the league.
So, having his team gone on a four-game unbeaten run since he took over after drawing the first three games before beating Chippa, it seems the players are heeding his call.
Strikers Bradley Grobler and Christian Saile both scored against the Chilli Boys, ensuring that they hit the right notes when the team needed them the most.
Arendse will bank on the due to keep on firing until the last game of the season against Richards Bay at home on May 24.
After all, they need to do it for the club and themselves. Grobler has struggled with injuries this season, limiting his goal contribution for the team.
His injury issues have resulted in many pundits advising him to hang up his boots while he's back on the pitch, instead of being forced to retire by an injury.
Saile, meanwhile, needs to continue being at his best with every passing game if he's to return to his parent club, Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs, at the end of the season.
However, the onus to steer SuperSport to safety doesn't only rest with the coach and the two strikers, but everyone that's part and parcel of the team as well.
A team like Stellies, for instance, won't be easy customers as they'll be at home, the Danie Craven Stadium, and are eyeing a third-place finish on the standings as well.
Stellies are just two points behind Sekhukhune United, who hold the coveted third-place spot which guarantees CAF Confederation Cup football next season, on the log.
Coach Steve Barker's men were part of that continental showpiece last season after finishing third, and that's why they'll want to qualify for the same event next season as well.
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