Kickoff (Cape Town)
21 November 2008
Santos' defensive pair of captain Musa Otieno and his vice Zvenyika Makonese are in a race against time to attain fitness ahead of the Cape Town side's clash against equally an struggling Maritzburg United tonight.
Kick off at Athlone Stadium is at 20h00.
The pair's participation in the match, or their absence, will be decisive in the performance of the former league champions, particularly at the back where Santos have leaked goals.
Makonese has not played in the People's Team's last two league matches - a draw against Mamelodi Sundowns and a loss to Bloemfontein Celtic - because of a knee injury, while Otieno hurt his back in last Sunday's match against Celtic and had to leave the field half way through the first half.
"The medical team is still assessing Otieno and treating him for the back injury he sustained. At the moment it does not look too serious, but we will be very cautious and will only make a decision regarding his fitness for the match later," team manager Yusuf Gester tells the team's website.
United have traditionally not travelled well to Santos, including a 3-0 defeat at the beginning of the 2005/06 season. But they know they need an improved performance this time round.
After a bright start, new-look and newly-promoted United have lost their way somewhat. A four-match run of defeats was ended with their 2-2 home draw against Platinum Stars on Sunday, and now the PMB team will hope to turn around their porous away form.
United have conceded nine goals in their last two away games - a 5-0 thrashing to champions Supersport United and a 4-1 loss to Wits University; and 11 in three if you include the 2-0 Telkom Knockout loss to Free State Stars. At home, their slump has been far less dramatic with a 1-0 defeat to Lamontville Golden Arrows and their draw against Stars.
Now United must steady the ship against a Santos team as eager to notch up three points at home after a disappointing start.
Under the sometimes controversial David Bright, Santos have retained the five-defender system that confounded many teams last season, soaking up pressure and bypassing the midfield by knocking the ball up to cantering striker Eleazar Rodgers and skilful Tyren Arendse.
Against this, United's central defence, their Achilles heel in their losing streak, will need be at their tightest and maintain concentration.
With Gary Goldstone out for two weeks, coach Gordon Igesund has a choice between Sylla Mbemba, new signing Siphiwe Mkhonza and Oscar Mathebula, who made an impressive debut as a substitute against Stars, to partner Bageta Dikulu at the back.
Striker Fadlu Davids will return from injury only if he is comfortable with a face mask that will protect his recovering broken nose.
Brice Aka and John Arwuah are suspended, and Sam Ndlovu and Lynch Pule are the likely partnership in central midfield.
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