Gladwin Shitolo enjoys the moment after scoring what turned out to be the match-winning goal for Golden Arrows against Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: BackpagePix
In a stunning display of tenacity and resolve, Golden Arrows secured a much-needed 1-0 victory against the formidable Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday, thanks to a second strike by defender Gladwin Shitolo.
This marked Arrows’ first win in four league games, propelling them to fifth place on the Premiership table and showcasing their potential as they aspire for higher honours in the league.
However, interim coach Musa Bilankulu is keenly aware that the road to success requires more than just one significant win.
After the match, Bilankulu, a former Arrows captain, expressed optimism, tempered with a call for greater consistency from his squad.
The interim coach highlighted the precariousness of the current league standings, particularly as Abafana Bes’thende inch closer to the halfway mark of the season.
“Having played 12 games, I believe there’s plenty of room for improvement because those big wins have come for us after either a loss or a draw, so we need to work on our consistency,” he stated, highlighting the need for a more stable approach.
Durban’s Golden Arrows have demonstrated their capacity for remarkable performance, but Bilankulu emphasised that the true challenge lies in replicating that level of play week-in and week-out.
“If you look at Cape Town City, they won games in one week and moved from 12th into fifth or sixth position. That consistency is needed in a team, and I believe that we can improve on that,” he reflected.
Gladwin Shitolo…. That’s the Tweet 💚💛🏹
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) January 12, 2025
Todays #betwaypremiership Man Of The Match against Kaizer Chiefs #10betgoldenarrows #sthendeway #greenandgold pic.twitter.com/BInwRQn0Kv
He lamented missed opportunities against teams like Polokwane City, Richards Bay and AmaZulu, stating that had they performed well in those matches, they would have amassed a crucial nine additional points.
Bilankulu’s insightful comparison of his team’s current form to the consistent successes of established sides like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns underlines an important point about the disparities between teams at the top and those striving for upwards momentum.
“That consistency of winning games is where the difference is in the quality and understanding the objectives of the team,” he noted, suggesting that replicating such consistency could be the key to securing a top-eight finish.
Bilankulu saw his side become the 12th team to score against Chiefs this season, and he opened up about some of the weaknesses he felt his side could exploit in the match.
“Because they play Mfundo (Vilakazi) and (Mduduzi) Shabalala as wingers, those players don’t cross so they need the fullback up – and that’s where we looked to punish them in transitions,” he said.
Heart. Hunger. Determination
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) January 13, 2025
What an epic interception from Sibiya to deny chiefs & save the day. What a player 🥶 #10betgoldenarrows #greenandgold #sthendeway pic.twitter.com/uzrtJzv9jr
“We were confident (Bradley) Cross couldn’t deal with (Siyanda) Mthanti and (Njabulo) Blom couldn’t deal with (Angelo) van Rooi one v one.
“And even if they played with three, they still left those spaces.”
Abafana Bes’thende will now look ahead to what is expected to be a tough home fixture against TS Galaxy at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale on Saturday (3.30pm kick-off).
As the season progresses, Bilankulu’s emphasis on consistency will serve as a guiding principle for Arrows as they look to surprise many and etch their name amongst those vying for continental football next season. | Independent Media Sport