Bay United can get better — much better, according to head coach Khabo Zondo.
The former Bafana Bafana assistant coach has now stretched his unbeaten record to four matches after Bay held Moroka Swallows to a 1-1 draw in Port Elizabeth last weekend. Zondo intends making it five when Bay host Santos at home in their next Absa Premiership fixture on Sunday. Kick-off is at 3.30pm.
Said Zondo: ”We are now beginning to play as a team. But I know we can play better and that we will see PSL soccer in Port Elizabeth next season. The players have shown the willingness to work hard and get the club out of the relegation zone. But despite the good results, there is a long way to go and we must stay focused and not get carried away. There are still 14 tough games to play.”
Zondo, who is also a former Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic coach, rates Santos highly. ”They are a young side who are prepared to run for 90 minutes and have skills, with a strong defence.”
What has pleased Zondo is the way his side are prepared to attack opponents. ”We are starting to create a lot of chances in front of goal, which is a good sign. I felt we could have beaten Swallows by the way we played in the second half.”
Zondo’s unbeaten run has lifted the spirits of all the players in the club. The Port Elizabeth rookies were rock bottom in December before Zondo took charge. However, Bay are far from safety — they are in 14th position in the 16-team Premiership with 16 points, four more than bottom of the table Celtic.
Said Zondo: ”There is a little bit of light between us and the bottom team but we need to keep picking up points, especially at home because I believe the battle for survival will be a tough one. Teams are evenly matched and there is no easy side. We need to be careful as this is an exciting competitive league this season.”
The bad news for Bay is that well-travelled veteran striker MacDonald Mukansi is suspended; but the good news is that he will be replaced by equally deadly Malawian international Jimmy Zakazaka, who returns to lead the attack against Santos after serving a suspension.
Said Zondo: ”Mukansi has been great so far but so has Zakazaka. I am delighted to have him back, but we will miss Mukansi.”
Port Elizabeth-born midfielder Siyabulela Songwiqi, who scored the equaliser against the Birds, is another who is starting to make his presence felt in the PSL.
Santos are lying eighth after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home against BidVest Wits last weekend and will be keen to maintain their place in the top eight. — Sapa