HAPLESS Golden Arrows enter into a very dark period, a veritable short walk to the gallows in their seven remaining Absa Premiership games.

They are not just limping but are badly injured as they travel to Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday, where they will face Maritzburg United, still bearing scars from their 2-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs this week.

Arrows go to this game against a marauding United, who are most likely to read them their last rites.

At the rate at which they have plummeted, there is no indication that they will move off the foot of the PSL log table.

Even their PRO, Vusi Vilakazi, did not sound convincing about his team's chances of remaining in top-flight football.

"It's tough man," he sighed. "We are playing highly entertaining soccer, but we are not getting any results. We still have a chance if we can only win four games, and we haven't given up hope as yet."

But the log table suggests otherwise. They have the worst defensive record in the league, with 41 goals finding their way past their keepers.

Their scorers have the lowest rate with 17 strikes in 23 outings. Even the acquisition of Zambian striker Chris Katongo has seemingly failed to make an impression.

It's a great pity that a team that has talent such as stylish Philane Shange, Thanduyise Khuboni and Rudolf Bester seems a sure bet for relegation.

On the other hand, Steve Komphela, who has done a remarkable job with United, is expected not to show any compassion for their troubled opponents.

Meanwhile, Platinum Stars will be trying to clear off the haze of their surprise 1-0 defeat by Moroka Swallows when they face Bloemfontein Celtic at the Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.