Arendse looks to players to display character

Relegation-threatened SuperSport United can ill afford to panic in their precarious position, said caretaker coach Andre Arendse after their weekend draw against Cape Town City in Polokwane.

The goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium left SuperSport still second from bottom with 22 points from as many games, but Arendse, who has taken over from Gavin Hunt, has confidence that the quality in his team will save them from the danger of the drop.

“It's very easy to fall into panic mode when we look at the league table. But we have to stay as far away as possible from panic,” said Arendse, who is in charge for the rest of the season after Hunt’s sacking.

“We have to keep doing the things we're doing. I know that the games are running out, but this is what we're used to, this is what we know, and I think that it's a matter of time before we win games.

“I know there're not many games left, but it's definitely coming. I have so much confidence in this team. If I go through them, man for man, they can compete with the best teams out there.”

Arendse said, however, that work was needed on their confidence.

“This is an unfamiliar territory for the players, but you do feel that this is where they have to show their real character.

“Forget about the skill, the ability, the character. For me, the fight's what's going to take them out of danger.

“They've got to now have a self-belief that they can take on this challenge.”

Arendse said he felt the team would rise to the occasion.

“I see it coming. We've just got to monitor and manage and navigate the games coming, that's going to be important,” he added.