DURBAN - Lamontville Golden Arrows utility player Musa Bilankulu is a man on a mission. Bilankulu was part of the Arrows team that won the MTN8 back in 2009 when they demolished Ajax Cape Town 6-0 at Orlando Stadium.
Arrows are on the verge of booking their place in the top eight for the second season on the trot. In the last campaign, they achieved that feat with victory in their final match of the season.
Bilankulu wants a top eight finish to be commonplace for the club.
“We don’t want to be known as a mid-table team or a team that is always fighting relegation. I want to see my team finishing in the top eight on a regular basis. We can compete," Bilankulu explained.
He knows it can be done, given that Arrows previously used to be regular contenders for the season-opening competition.
"We used to do it back in the days and we even won the cup. Then we were absent (from the top eight) for three seasons until we got relegated. I want to see that culture coming back," Bilankulu said.
"It is not difficult to do. We must work for 40 points. Free State Stars and Maritzburg United have shown us that you don’t have to have huge resources and good facilities to compete with the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United and Bidvest Wits."
For them to be in the competition next season, Arrows have to get the better of their provincial rivals Maritzburg when the two sides lock horns at Harry Gwala Stadium in an Absa Premiership tussle on Saturday at 3pm. Abafana Bes’thende are 7th of the log with 37 points after 29 matches.
“It is in our own hands. We have to win our game and qualify for the MTN8. We want to finish in the top eight. This (MTN8) is a very important competition that helps us test combinations.”
He acknowledges that it won't be easy against a Maritzburg side looking to finish in the third place Confederation Cup spot.
“They are playing well and they have a cup final after this. They'll be motivated. We have to use our chances and keep cool heads. Our situation is slightly similar to last season but we are playing different opponents away from home."