Andre Arendse has the arduous task of saving SuperSport United from a relegation dogfight.
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SuperSport United interim coach Andre Arendse has identified what he needs to do to ensure that the team retains their elite status this season.
SuperSport are, worryingly, languishing in 15th place in the Betway Premiership standings, with just 22 points from as many matches in the league. It is an unusual turn of events for Matsatsantsa a Pitori, who are accustomed to either fighting for a continental qualifying spot or securing a top-eight finish.
Their poor run of form came under experienced coach Gavin Hunt, who was understandably sacked after running out of ideas in recent weeks. Hunt has since been replaced by football legend Arendse, who worked as his right-hand man and knows SuperSport like the back of his hand. This marks his second spell as interim coach.
The Bafana Bafana 1996 AFCON-winning goalkeeper was also appointed interim coach in April 2022 following the sacking of Kaitano Tembo. Arendse is aware that the club has endured financial struggles in recent years, relying heavily on youngsters to form the bulk of the first team.
However, with younger players tending to be inconsistent due to inexperience, Arendse has had to turn to some of his senior players for support. A notable inclusion in that plan is club captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, who returned to the starting line-up for the first time in a while during Arendse’s first game in charge.
Arendse oversaw his first match as they held Cape Town City to a stalemate in Polokwane on Sunday, with Hlatshwayo playing a key role in securing a clean sheet.
“The first thing I did was to understand what it would take to get us through this challenge,” Arendse explained.
“The answer I got was: ‘I have to lean heavily on my experienced players, and Tyson is one of those.’ He’s a club man and a football legend — a leader of note.
“So, I had no hesitation in bringing him straight in. I did a lot of work with him on the training ground. In his movements, he offers the team a lot aerially during set-pieces.
“He was the tower in defence, marshalling things. He made Ricardo Goss’ job a lot easier. So he is a massive plus for the team.”
Hlatshwayo and his teammates must keep more clean sheets going forward to move away from the drop zone, including in their next match away to Marumo Gallants on Saturday. A win in that game is also a must for SuperSport, as it would bring more positive energy and confidence to the club and the players.
“It is very easy to fall into panic mode when you look at the league table. But we have to stay as far away as possible from panicking,” Arendse said.
“We have to keep doing things the way we’ve been doing them, and the things we did tonight are the things we need to keep doing.
“I know the games are running out, but this is what we know. I think it’s only a matter of time before we start winning games. I have so much confidence in this team.
“If I go through them man for man, I know we can compete against the best teams out there. There’s no doubt we have to work on our confidence.”