Reports & Previews

Larsen confident City can survive

Polokwane City Coach Clinton Larsen says he will use the time afforded to him as a result of the enforced break to work on improving his team's chances of Premiership survival.

With the country currently in a 21-day lockdown and all sporting activities suspended, clubs are having to find unique ways to keep their players fit and active.

Most clubs have issued individual training to players, while some teams are using technology to maintain contact with their squads.

City, who entered the break in 14th place in the 16-team PSL; level on 23 points with AmaZulu in the first relegation place, will need a massive turnaround in fortune if they are to stay up.

But Larsen, who has yet to relegat any team during his coaching career, says he is relishing the task of subverting everyone's expectations this season, once the league restarts.

He told Kickoff: "Whenever there are two to three-week breaks, as a coach I enjoy it because it gives me time to work with my team. I prefer this time to rectify some mistakes and improve the team.

"I think everybody there in the bottom is nervous and looking for results to get away. It's not easy and the fixtures won't get any easier for any of the club, but these are the challenges we relish and this is what the game is all about."

Larsen added: "Doing the unexpected, achieving what nobody thinks you can...before we played Cape Town City and Black Leopards everybody relegated us, everybody across the county.

"The moment you win two games, everybody changes their tune. 'Maybe they will make it now.' So that's how fickle people are. We will continue working hard to get points from the remaining games."