SuperSport United interim coach Andre Arendse has made it clear that the team’s objective is to finish the season in the top eight because that’s where they belong. 

The Tshwane Giants have had a difficult run, recording only six wins out of 24 games this season. 

After battling relegation for some time, SuperSport, who beat Chippa United on Saturday, currently occupies 13th spot with 26 points, three points away relegation play-off spot, and four points behind the Top 8, which is currently held by Chippa United with 30 points.

The former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper highlighted that the objective currently is to make it to the top eight because they are top eight material instead of being in relegation.

“It’s crazy, isn’t it, crazy, you’re busy fighting relegation, but on the other hand, you are four points out of the top eight,” said Arendse.

“So, when I took over the team, one of the first questions I asked the players was, Do they think we can make the top eight and all of a sudden the penny dropped and they realised exactly what we are saying, we are not far from the top eight.”

He continued: “For me, that has to be the goal, I don’t entertain any talk around my team, my camp about relegation, I don’t entertain it because this team, as many people would have seen on Saturday, they are far better than relegation-strapped.”

Arendse added, “They are top eight material as we stand right now, and that has to be the goal for my players, and if we have to sneak in the back door for the top eight, it’s the top eight and that’s the goal for us right now.”

The 57-year-old tactician mentioned that Lyle Lakay’s performance overshadowed Lebo Maboe’s absence due to an injury. Maboe sustained an injury during the 1-1 draw with Polokwane City, hence he couldn’t be featured in this game.

“Lebo is carrying an injury that’s keeping him out for a few weeks. But it wasn’t noticeable, was it, because whoever came in for him performed fantastically well, that’s how we do it,” said Arendse.

“So, Lyle was missing from the last game. He came in to replace Lebo in a different position on the field but he got an assist on Saturday for me. His distribution from his set-pieces was fantastic, and he was a big part of the team.”

SuperSport will play Stellenbosch FC in an away game at Danie Craven Stadium on 17 May. 

Article by Kamogelo Ndlovu