Junior Dion of Lamontville Golden Arrows celebrates his penalty conversion as they went down 2-1 against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, in Tshwane.
Image: BackpagePix
LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes his youthful squad remains capable of securing a top-eight finish this season, citing the steady growth and resilience they have shown throughout the campaign.
Abafana Bes’thende fell to a 2-1 defeat against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening. The result left Arrows in 12th position on the table, just three points adrift of eighth-placed TS Galaxy, keeping their ambitions firmly within reach.
Attention now turns to the Nedbank Cup quarter-final this weekend, where Arrows will face KwaZulu-Natal rivals Durban City. With several traditional heavyweights already eliminated from the competition, the path to silverware appears more open than in previous years.
A top-eight finish would represent significant progress for Arrows, who have not achieved that milestone since the 2020/21 campaign when they ended fourth. However, the Nedbank Cup presents an equally compelling opportunity.
With the competition wide open, Arrows have a realistic chance to secure only their second major trophy, having last tasted success with the MTN8 in 2009.
For their league ambitions to materialise, though, consistency will be key. Reflecting on their recent encounters with Sundowns — including a 1-0 victory over the champions in the reverse fixture — Mngqithi admitted his side may have shown the Brazilians too much respect in their latest meeting.
“The first half was not good from our side; we showed them too much respect,” Mngqithi said after the match.
“On several occasions we got into their box, but our decision-making and positional play were not at the level required. We were playing against a very good team, but to have won one leg against Sundowns this season was a big achievement for us.”
Despite the setback, the former Sundowns mentor expressed satisfaction with the development of his young squad, emphasising that long-term progress remains a central focus.
“Our team is very young. In the starting eleven against Sundowns, four players had previously played in the ABC Motsepe League. I am still working on developing these boys,” he explained.
“I am seeing a lot of growth. Honestly, I would not have imagined they would be at this level at this stage of the season. Based on what I see daily, they stand a good chance of finishing in the top eight.”
Mngqithi also weighed in on the title race, backing his former side Sundowns to secure yet another league crown despite increasing pressure from Orlando Pirates.
“I have always believed Sundowns have what it takes to win the league,” he said.
“If you look at the players who were not even on the bench, that squad has incredible depth. I appreciate the competition Pirates and others are providing, but Sundowns have quality throughout.
“When the season becomes stressful, they have enough depth to handle it. For me, there is no doubt — they have what it takes to win the league again.”
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch