Back in the title hunt

Four points from our first two games back after the long break, and I guess I can’t complain too much about that, although six would have been ideal. As it is, we are three points behind Sundowns, going into this weekend’s games.

We kicked off with the 1-1 draw with Free State Stars, and even though that was at home, I don’t think it was a bad point. They’re usually a tough nut to crack and we were actually pleased to play them so soon after the break, before they hit their straps. The side also showed good character in coming back from a goal down to get that draw. Stars actually caught us napping for their goal, but like I said, it was good to bounce back and get the point, with Franklin Cale getting his first goal in SuperSport colours. Kermit Erasmus could have won it for us at the death, but it just wasn’t to be.

In fact, Franklin and Sameegh Doutie both got their first games for SuperSport and I think they did alright. There’s always nerves, playing for a new team, but the guys got through it and now that’s out the way, they can concentrate on churning out good performances.

We had another tricky fixture against Golden Arrows in Umlazi, but fortunately we walked away with all three points. The conditions were difficult – wet and greasy – but the guys coped really well, and I think the extra motivation before the game helped. At this stage of the season we just can’t fall too far behind Sundowns, so the three points were vital.

Again, we had a set piece to thank for the opening goal, and it just re-emphasised one of our strengths – this time Morgan Gould getting the goal. It was another reminder of how important this part of the game is, in modern football. I think something like 70% of goals in football are scored from set pieces.

Once again a defensive mistake, a lack of concentration at the back, let Arrows in, and suddenly we were level again. I felt we should have controlled the ball a bit better, but instead we let Arrows back into the game. But, to the guys’ credit, we grabbed a winner. I think it was a great double substitution from Gavin, bringing on Sibusiso Zuma and Ashley Hartog, because Zuma showed all his experience in holding the ball up, releasing Doutie, and then Ashley got on the end of the cross.

At the club we call Ashley “Mr Iron Man”, because he can run all day. The goal was just reward for all the hard work he puts in, and we got to enjoy his goal celebration – the flick-flack and cartwheel!

Of the other sides in action and in contention, I’ve been impressed with Ajax – firstly, for coming from 2-0 down, and with only 10 men, to beat Platinum Stars 3-2. Then they followed that up with a 2-0 victory over Maritzburg United, and now they are just two points behind us. They look to be the form side at the moment. Fortunately, Sundowns dropped points on Sunday, so the gap is just three points and we are still very much in the hunt for that league title.

Just a word on Glen Salmon’s move from striker to defender at SuperSport. There seems to have been plenty said about it, but I think he’s done well, and he picked up the man-of-the-match award against Arrows. So, that must say something.

What people don’t know is that in the sprinting and turning stats at the club, Glen is always up there. On top of that, he has good height, can play with both feet, knows what to expect from strikers, having been one himself, and generally reads the game well. He’s also created more competition for places, with the likes of Morgan, Thabo September, Mario Booysen and Ricardo Katza.

Lastly, great to have Davies Nkausu back after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia. Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of him, and it was great seeing him showing his winner’s medal around at training.

Next up is AmaZulu this weekend, and getting three points, once again, is vital.