Cape Town City will unleash lightning pace as they look to get off to a fast start to their PSL title bid at Baroka on Saturday (3pm).
Going on the road has always meant frustration for Capetonian teams.
Last season, Benni McCarthy’s manne won six and lost six away from home, while drawing three of those games.
And to win the title this season, it’s vital they improve on that record.
Assistant coach Vasili Manousakis, in charge of the team as McCarthy is in Scotland for the birth of his son, is well aware of that.
And he reckons they have come up with a plan get the better of Baroka, who have proved to be a bit of bogey side for City in the past.
Manousakis says: “We like to have the ball and to build up, but sometimes we need to tweak that and that’s what we’re working on. We said we need to be a little bit smarter away from home.
LIGHTNING PACE: Gift Links. Photo: BackpagePix.
“We need to be more clinical on the counter attack – the stats show we were only effective five of six times.
“We won’t be as carefree, it’s just a case of finding the right balance. Not cautious, just more disciplined.”
To bring that plan into full effect, he will use the speed he has out wide to break down Baroka.
In will come the likes of Tashreeq Morris, Craig Martin, Gift Links, Surprise Ralani or Riyaad Norodien, with help from the overlapping fullbacks.
Manousakis adds: “We’ll look at the players we have available because we’re looking to unleashed some serious pace.”
Weekend PSL fixtures
Saturday:
Chippa v Stellenbosch (3pm)
Sundowns vSuperSport (3pm)
Pirates v Bloem Celtic (6pm)
AmaZulu FC v Wits (8.15pm)
Sunday:
Black Leopards vPolokwane (3pm)
Highlands Park v Chiefs (3pm)
Golden Arrows v Maritzburg (3pm)