Golden Arrows boss Mngqithi stays grounded after Carling Knockout progress

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi played down talk of his side being among the favourites for the Carling Knockout Cup after their emphatic victory over Sekhukhune United at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

The result booked Abafana Bes’thende a spot in the quarter-finals, marking their third successive win in all competitions and extending a run of impressive form that has seen them climb up the Betway Premiership table.

Following a shaky start, Abafana Besthende are now eight on the league standings and have destroyed one of the division’s most in form sides in Babina Noko. 

But true to his measured nature, Mngqithi refused to get carried away, insisting that his team is still in a delicate phase of development despite the growing confidence and consistency within the camp.

“With this team I’m still nursing the process and looking ahead to setbacks that may come and make sure that our process goes to plan,” he said. “Other people see the three consecutive wins but I see the six consecutive good performances even though we lost the other three.”

Mngqithi’s remarks come as Arrows continue to blend youth and experience, with the likes of Siyanda Ndlovu, Ayanda Jiyane, and Jerome Karelse taking centre stage in recent weeks. 

Their dynamic attacking display once again caught the eye against a seasoned Sekhukhune side led by Eric Tinkler. The 54-year-old mentor also took the opportunity to call on the club’s supporters to rally behind the team as they build momentum both in the league and in cup competitions.

“I think it’s time we also urge the supporters of this club to come back and support this team because we’re close to playing the kind of football they want to see and are getting closer to where we want to be — but we need our people,” he added.

Mngqithi also voiced his surprise at the post-match awards, which are voted for by fans in this competition. 

He suggested that winger Siyanda Ndlovu should have been recognised for his influential display rather than Sekhukhune striker Bradley Grobler, who was named Man of the Match.

“I was surprised when I saw Grobler receive the man of the match award because in my opinion I think Ndlovu was exceptional today. He deserves more credit than what we see because he’s very consistent for his age and he’s forever influential in every game we’ve played this year,” he said.

Arrows will head into the international break on a high as they continue to revive their ambitions under a cult hero at the club.