Moroka Swallows know very well that they have to beat Golden Arrows if they want resuscitate their dying league title aspirations when the two sides meet on Sunday afternoon in an Absa Premiership match at the Volkswagen Dobsonville Stadium, kick-off at 15h00.
Swallows have been inconsistent and have failed to capitalise on their rivals’ misfortunes when they have dropped points.
The Birds are occupying fourth spot and trail defending league champions, and current leaders, Orlando Pirates by four points.
Gordon Igesund’s charges can rightly point to the three successive draws against Ajax Cape Town, Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic as the main reason why the summit of the league standings eludes them at this point.
Bennett Chenene who has been one of the Birds’ best players in the current campaign has suggested that everything is in Gods hands with regards to the destination of the league title.
“We have lost points where we shouldn’t have. Those lost points have cost us dearly, but whatever happens in the remaining four rounds of fixtures would have been God’s will.
“We had a chance to be at the top, but we lost focus on what we were supposed to achieve. We got a bit ahead of ourselves and thought we were now at the top and that kind of thinking has really hurt us.
“Now we have to face a skilful side like Arrows whom are not going to be easy, but we have to win this match if we want to win the title,” echoed the former Pirates winger.
For Arrows this fixture offers a chance to stake a claim amongst the league’s top eight finishers.
Abafana Bes’thende have had a mediocre season by their standards. They have blown hot and cold, performed in patches and find themselves languishing in 11th position on the standings.
Arrows left-back Mzivukile Tom says that he hopes his side’s travel to Dobsonville will be the start of a period that will finally see them string a few wins under their belt.
“We did not start the season on a good note. That situation continued into the season and caused us to be inconsistent.
“We know Swallows are challenging for the championship and this is the kind of situation that will spur us to even play better because we want to spoil their party and punish them,” said the Graaff Reinet-born defender.
Tom was, however, confident that Igesund’s men have the firepower to go all the way and win the title.
“Look at their squad, it is full of quality and experienced players. They might be four points behind, but I think they can pull it through because anything can happen in this league,” Tom concluded.
Thamsanqa Gabuza and Thanduyise Khuboni were the difference in the first round when these two sides met. Both players scored in a 2-0 victory for Muhsin Ertugral’s men.
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Article source: http://www.supersport.com/football/absa-premiership/news/120428/League_title_in_Gods_hands_Chenene