Komphela predicts his defenders in for tough test against red-hot Rayners

Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Steve Komphela says there will both a physical and mental test for his captain Gladwin Shitolo when he goes up against Stellenbosch’s Iqraam Rayners in the DStv Premiership on Wednesday.

The 34-year-ood Shitolo is yet to miss a match for Arrows this season and proven a defensive stalwart, but he will be under fire when up against Rayners, whose five-goal haul for Stellenbosch against Polokwane City on Saturday catapulted him to the top of the scoring charts.

“A lot will depend on the intelligence from Shitolo because apart from the physical requirements, there's also major mental requirements from defenders. Their level of anticipation, resilient communication and all those things that don't come from your ability to be physical but your ability to use your brain.”

Arrows are likely to use Shitolo and their recent Zambian sign John Mwengani as the two centre backs at the Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday.

“Shitolo compliments with intelligence and then John brings in the force. I think it's going be an interesting one, how they are going to cope with Rayners,” predicted Komphela.

“Rayners knows how to stay on the shoulder. When everything else is happening, when Stellies are out there staying organised, trying to regain possession from you, he's less concerned about watching the game as they defend. He's more concerned about being in a good rest attack position. As soon as they get the ball, he's between the two centre backs. If they're slipping, he receives it back foot and then he's gone and he's quite quick. So, he knows how to place himself while the team is in defensive phase.”

Komphela said his defenders would have to conscience of Rayners at all times, especially when Arrows are on the attack. “If you go to sleep, your rest defence is weak, count yourself dead. John and Shitolo are going to have to be awake for 90 minutes on the day, they have no choice because the guy (Rayners) doesn't sleep.

“And he needs only a slight opportunity. Look at the first shot (against Polokwane City on Saturday). It was brilliant, he had a bouquet of different goals. Outside the box, inside the box, finishing, there was one where he just slashed with the left foot. It was an exhibition. It was beautiful to watch as well, players enjoying themselves and showing that goals can be scored in the Premier League.”