Arendse Banks On His Experience To Steer Supersport United Away From Relegation Zone

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 Hunt has since been replaced by football legend Arendse, who worked as his right-hand man and knows SuperSport like the back of his hand.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 Arendses first game in charge.