SuperSport United interim head coach Andre Arendse has underlined the critical importance of earning a full three points in their upcoming clash against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday.
With the Betway Premiership season nearing its conclusion, every match carries significant weight—none more so than this high-stakes encounter.
Currently languishing in 14th place on the league table, SuperSport United find themselves uncomfortably close to the relegation zone. They are level on points with 15th-placed Cape Town City, and a defeat against the Pirates could plunge them further into the danger zone.
Read: Four PSL teams fighting for top-flight survival
With only a handful of fixtures remaining, Arendse is fully aware that any slip-ups could have severe consequences.
“We can’t afford to lose. That’s the bottom line,” Arendse told the media ahead of the clash. “A win would be huge for us, and we’re going to have to work hard for it.”
Despite their 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC over the weekend, Arendse found encouragement in his team’s second-half performance, where they created severalh clear-cut chances.
“That second half could easily have ended 3-2 or 4-2 in our favour if it wasn’t for their goalkeeper, Oscarine Masuluke, who had a fantastic game. He saved them,” said the former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper.
SuperSport will face a Pirates side that has little left to play for this season. The Soweto giants are locked into second place behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns, regardless of how they finish their final three matches.
However, the Buccaneers are adjusting to new leadership, with Mandla Ncikazi stepping in as caretaker coach following Jose Riveiro’s early departure. Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by TS Galaxy in Ncikazi’s first game in charge.
“It’s a positive for us that Pirates look a bit unsettled,” Arendse added. “But they’re still a quality team, so we have to be fully focused.”
Pirates will be without star winger Relebohile Mofokeng due to suspension, while goalkeeper Sipho Chaine remains doubtful with an Achilles injury sustained last weekend.
A win would provide some breathing room for Matsatsantsa and potentially lift the team further up the standings, depending on other results.
However, failure to secure a positive result could leave them vulnerable, especially with fellow strugglers also fighting desperately for survival. Kick off at the Peter Mokaba Stadium is set for 19h30 later this evening.