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No, it’s actually a double impact that Steve Komphela is hoping for ahead of Golden Arrows’ back-to-back clashes against Mamelodi Sundowns to make it a triple blessing.
Arrows are not new to this situation – a fortnight ago, they played Polokwane City in back-to-back matches, winning both.
And just a week ago, they found themselves in the same situation against SuperSport United, winning the cup game and drawing their league encounter.
Now for Sundowns.
Today’s league game, taking place at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, KwaZulu-Natal, will give fans a preview of what to expect when Abafana Bes’thende and the Brazilians clash in two weeks’ time for a place in the final of the Telkom Knockout.
Komphela conceded that it was not easy to plan for back-to-back matches against the same opposition.
“As much as you want to take it one game at a time, it is also essential to look ahead to the next game,” he said.
“Do you give it your all in the first game and save yourself for the other game, or vice versa?”
Komphela said the team were fortunate that their first games against City and United were cup games and they could give it their all. But this time, their first clash with Sundowns will be the league game, with their cup fixture happening in a fortnight.
“Once you reach the semifinals, you are closer to the final and you want to go all the way – that’s our mission. We hope our league game will push us to get something, because we don’t want to go into the semis without a positive result. Psychologically, this will have a major influence on our players.
“Also, we have to pray that there are no casualties or injuries going into the next game.”
Komphela said his primary concern was those players sitting with three yellow cards.
Arrows have Danny Phiri, Divine Lunga and Gladwin Shitolo with three yellows. This means that if any one of the trio gets a caution this afternoon, they will miss the semifinal.
“The question is: Do you spare them for the cup game or use them and hope that they don’t accumulate cards? It’s a tough one because what if you don’t play them and still lose, and play them in the next game and lose again – the whole thing will have backfired,” said a philosophical Komphela.
The coach said he was hoping for a triple blessing with a victory over the Brazilians in both legs.
But, he added, he expected a tough game against Sundowns, who have failed to win their previous two league games.
Downs were held to a goalless draw by Baroka on Wednesday. Before that game, they lost to Kaizer Chiefs.
Komphela said Downs were fluid and dynamic in their approach.
“We are looking too much into their recent league matches – we know that they will want to bounce back.”
Komphela said it augured well for his team that the match was being played at home, where Arrows had not lost a game this season.
“There is less travelling and, logistically, things are good for us. So we are hoping that this will work in our favour,” he said.
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