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Cape Town - Golden Arrows midfielder Jabulani Shongwe is optimistic the international break is what his side need to overcome a stressful period of just one victory in their last seven league games.
The latest setback for Clinton Larsen’s side came over the weekend when they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Orlando Pirates, leaving them amongst the teams fighting for survival at the bottom of the Premiership standings.
Shongwe admitted that pressure is mounting on the Durban-based side to get their groove back in upcoming matches and finish the season in a respectable position.
Abafana Bes'thende's next league fixture is away to Benni McCarthy’s Cape Town City before a home match against Free State Stars, which will be followed with clashes against Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
“Yes, it has not been easy in recent games and we are under pressure to get positive results,” Shongwe exclusively told Vodacom Soccer.
“We have to work hard and put a lot of effort to get it right in our upcoming games.
“I think it’s a good thing that we have this break now and gives us a chance to re-group."
He added: "Some of the players are away on national duty which might help them comeback with a different mentality and their batteries recharged to help the team fight. So I think it will do us good.”
The midfielder, on a season-long loan deal from Bidvest Wits, also feels that luck has not been on their side in some matches. Last weekend Limbikani Mzava was red carded in a case of mistaken identity.
However, the South African Football Association has since acknowledged the mistake by referee Thando Ndzandzeka and rescinded the dismissal.
“I think at this moment luck is not on our side, having conceded late goals in some of our recent matches like the one against Polokwane City as well as the red card in the match against Pirates, which was a mistake by the referee, but sometimes you create your own luck,” added the midfielder.
“So we have to use the break to work on our mistakes. We have to keep working hard to improve, but the good thing is that even when we lose, we still score goals and it’s a sign we will get it right soon.”
