Manqoba Mngqithi’s Lamontville Golden Arrows face Eric Tinkler’s high-flying Babina Noko

LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows will look to continue their resurgence when they welcome Sekhukhune United to the King Zwelithini Stadium for a Carling Knockout Cup round of 16 tie on Saturday at 3pm.

Abafana Bes’thende have grown in confidence in recent weeks, stringing together back-to-back wins in the Betway Premiership, including a morale-boosting victory over champions Mamelodi Sundowns. 

Head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has spoken openly about his long-term ambition of building Arrows into a trophy-winning side, and this competition offers a chance to back up those words with action.

The Lamontville-based club’s history in cup competitions has been sparse, with their last piece of silverware arriving in 2009 when they stunned Ajax Cape Town to lift the MTN8. 

For supporters who have waited 14 years, another run to the latter stages would be a moment of pride and perhaps signal a new era under Mngqithi.

Arrows, though, know they have a score to settle. The two sides met recently in the league, with Sekhukhune snatching a dramatic stoppage-time victory thanks to a Bradley Grobler strike. 

That late winner stung Arrows and served as a reminder of how punishing Babina Noko can be if given even the slightest opening.

Under Eric Tinkler, Sekhukhune have carried that ruthless edge throughout the campaign. 

Sitting second in the Premiership standings, they are proving to be one of the most consistent outfits in the division. 

Their balance across the pitch — with attacking threats, midfield discipline and a strong defensive core — makes them formidable opponents in a cup setting.

For Arrows, the form of their frontline will be crucial. Sede Dion, Siyanda Ndlovu and Jerome Karelse all found the back of the net in their recent league win over Orbit College, giving Mngqithi encouragement that his side is hitting its stride at the right time. 

Dion’s work rate and movement in particular have been vital in stretching defences.

Sekhukhune, on the other hand, will rely on their discipline and structure.

Tinkler has instilled an organised system that has brought results, and Grobler’s knack for producing goals in key moments remains a difference-maker.

The King Zwelithini Stadium crowd will provide a raucous backdrop, with the Arrows faithful dreaming of ending their long trophy drought. 

Yet, knockout football often hinges on fine margins. A single mistake or moment of brilliance could determine who advances to the quarter-finals.

For Mngqithi’s Arrows, this is about chasing long-awaited glory. 

For Tinkler’s Sekhukhune, it is about confirming their rise as one of the league’s most ambitious clubs. Saturday promises a captivating battle in Umlazi.