Arrows need to break losing streak

After three losses and a draw, Lamontville Golden Arrows need luck and some more if they are to defend the MTN8 title they won this season.

The MTN8 champions are in danger of failing to qualify for 2011's top eight tournament, unless they beat Bloemfontein Celtic away on Tuesdayight and then other results in the remaining matches go in their favour.

Beating Celtic will be tough enough, as they boast a hard-core home support base, which has been a factor in them losing only three times at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.

A first win in five outings for Arrows will just about keep alive their slim chances of climbing up from 12th spot and into the top half of the league standings. The points will lift Abafana Bes'thende three places up to ninth position, which would still be two behind Moroka Swallows, with two games left to play.

After the trip to Celtic, the Durban side will host Ajax Cape Town on Saturday and then wrap up their campaign a fortnight later away to Mamelodi Sundowns.

One point, and only one goal, from their past four league games points to an up-and-down season since they hammered Ajax Cape Town 6-0 in the MTN8 final to lift their first trophy in their top-flight history. The goals have dried up for leading scorer Richard Henyekane, who is reportedly headed to Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of the season.

The problem for coach Manqoba Mngqithi is compounded by the failure of other forwards to deliver. Imports, Zambian Francis Kombe and Ivorian Koffi Tanoh, have failed to score.

It doesn't help that Mngqithi is without attacking midfielders Musa Bilankulu and Philani Shange, who are injured.

Sixth-placed Celtic are still in danger of being overtaken for the top eight, which will make them even more difficult to beat. Full points off Arrows on Tuesday night should cement their place in the MTN8.

Tuesday's other clash has a bearing on the top eight as well as the relegation battle. Seventh-placed Ajax can also entrench their position in the elite if they edge Jomo Cosmos who prop up the table. Defeat for Cosmos will leave them also requiring a miracle to survive.

PSL FIXTURES AND STANDINGS

Tuesday

Bloem Celtic v Golden Arrows

(Seisa Ramabodu Stadium, 7.30pm)

Ajax Cape Town v Jomo Cosmos

(Athlone Stadium, 7.30pm)

Wednesday

Maritzburg Utd v Orlando Pirates

(Harry Gwala Stadium, 7.30pm)

Platinum Stars v SuperSport Utd

(Royal Bafokeng Stadium, 7.30pm)

AmaZulu v Free State Stars

(Moses Mabhida Stadium, 7.30pm)

Wits v Santos

(Bidvest Stadium, 8pm)

Kaizer Chiefs v Black Aces

(Loftus Stadium, 8pm)

Sundowns v Swallows

(Super Stadium, 8pm)