Durban - After a testing mid-week round of Absa Premiership action Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United will welcome the breather brought about by the Telkom Knockout this weekend and the Fifa World Cup qualifiers next weekend.
Arrows gave up second spot in the league after a draw and a loss in their last two outings, and Maritzburg drew their third match in a row, and finished their last two assignments with 10 men.
A fortnight’s break to recuperate from these set-backs will be welcomed by both sides, as will the opportunity to rest injured players.
Although the Premiership is on a break, the PSL’s decision to host the Kaizer Chiefs v Free State Stars Telkom Knockout quarter-final in Durban on Sunday ensures some top-flight football flavour for local supporters.
However, the army of Chiefs fans will expect coach Steve Komphela to solve their scoring woes before they line up against his former club. The Glamour Boys were all glitter and no goals when they drew with Baroka mid-week at Moses Mabhida Stadium. That marked their third successive outing without scoring.
The increased number of minutes attacker Siphiwe Tshabalala has enjoyed as a substitute over the last three games suggests he could be ready for a starting berth against his old club.
The winger made his professional breakthrough with the Bethlehem crew, and like his coach, will know very well about their physicality and hard-running approach.
Komphela earmarked striker Moeketsi Sekola, midfielder Danny Venter and winger Katlego Mashego as players they will have to be wary of on Sunday.
The other three quarter-finals will be played tomorrow. Two of those clashes also feature coaches meeting their former clubs, and there’s very little to choose between them.
Much attention will be on how Orlando Pirates tackle Highlands Park after their disastrous 6-1 loss to SuperSport United.
The Star