Arrows not scared of United

Johannesburg - Golden Arrows goal poacher Collins Mbesuma says there is no reason to fear early Premiership pacesetters SuperSport United ahead of their Telkom Knockout last 16 encounter in Atteridgeville on Tuesday evening.

Arrows have struggled this campaign, despite the depth of talent within their ranks, and are looking to find some momentum under new coach Muhsin Ertugral after parting ways with Ernst Middendorp last month.

"We don't feel threatened by anyone," Mbesuma said.

"We have our tactics for the game which we can hopefully apply, and will go there with 90 minutes in front of us, giving 120 percent on the day."

Ertugral, born in Turkey and raised in Germany, is no stranger to South African football, and has won numerous titles in his stints at Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town.

"It's always exciting, especially in South Africa where they have so many cups," Ertugral said.

"I always enjoyed that and I've won so many cups in this country."

In his first game in charge, Arrows held Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-1 draw last week, and Ertugral pointed out the team's passing game was an area that needed improvement.

"We've been working hard on the co-ordination because I feel the boys need a little bit more awareness of what's going on around them," he said.

"We have to work on things like their passing, because they have so much potential in that area."

United coach Gavin Hunt said last week he held respect for Arrows who had classy players like defender Robyn Johannes, Bafana Bafana midfielder Thanduyise Khuboni, Katlego Mashego and Mbesuma.

Mashego, a former United player, will miss the tie as he recovers from a hamstring strain.

United, former three-time league champions, remain the only unbeaten team in this campaign, but Hunt did not want to let their impressive championship start distract their focus from the cup competition.

"I think that it's important not to get ahead of ourselves," said Hunt.

"Arrows will be up for us. There is no doubt they are a good side with a lot of good players."

Hunt believed there were no favourites in cup competitions, despite his team carrying the favourites tag into their first-round match.

"The game is even and I don't think there are favourites," he said.

"The only thing that helps us a little is our home ground, but I don't think in a cup competition they [Arrows] have anything to lose."