Saxon Rovers head coach Zahir Arendse (pictured) has admitted that their Hollywoodbets Third Division fixture against Woodlands United at the Royal Road on Saturday will be a nostalgic affair – for obvious reasons.
Arendse changed the green and white colours of Woodlands for the black and white of Saxons this season after spending five years on the books of the Mitchells Plain outfit.
Needless to say ‘Zarrie’, as Arendse is known, is Woodlands’ most successful coach after he won promotion to the Third Division, the Nedbank Cup regional title, the Coke Cup and two knockout titles all in a short space of time.
Arendse informed No Bones with Jones that his decision to move on was not an easy one but one he needed to make a tough call it was in the best interest of both parties.
“Sparks could fly as I am sure they will want to prove a point – but so do I,” Arendse told our website. “I believe they have some exciting talent and are playing pretty decent football which should make for an interesting and exciting game.
“Rest assured there will be no love lost and everything will be left on the field. Look, I won’t get too emotional about facing my old team but there will definitely be some nostalgia as they are close to my heart even though I have moved on,” Arendse added.
After a rather disappointing showing last season Woodlands are showing promise that they could possibly challenge for success this season under their new coach.
Woodlands, under the mentorship duo of Jonathan Mufumbi and Donovan Sauls, bagged six points from a possible nine so far this season and currently occupy the fifth position – a spot above Saxons who has one win, a draw and a loss from their opening three matches.
It will be expected from Saxons to grab maximum points as it is a home fixture. This will also ensure that they leapfrog Woodlands and earn Zarrie bragging rights over his former beloved Woodlands.
