Mngqithi warns of growing negativity in PSL as Golden Arrows push for expansive football

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has raised concerns about what he believes is a growing decline in the quality of football in the Premier Soccer League, with more teams favouring a negative, conservative approach.

Arrows are coming off a narrow 1–0 defeat in the KwaZulu-Natal derby against AmaZulu. Despite the progress they have shown in the early stages of the season — and the positive brand of football they have been trying to play — results have not always aligned with their performances, including in the derby defeat to Usuthu.

Football, however, remains a results-driven sport, and the reality is that teams are ultimately judged by what they deliver on the scoreboard and history rarely remembers those who finished second.

Mngqithi believes more sides should adopt a progressive mentality similar to that displayed by Mamelodi Sundowns in recent seasons, not only in their dominance and record-breaking achievements but also in their style of play. He also highlighted Orlando Pirates’ evolution into a more dynamic, multi-dimensional team.

“I am a little bit worried with how we approach matches in the PSL and I will not mention names,” Mngqithi said.

“I am worried because we have a Pirates team that is trying to be progressive and to do things and look at football in a much broader perspective than the Pirates of old who were only dangerous in counter or break attacks.

“But when you look at them now, they have a lot of facets and signs that they are really progressing as a team and they also have good depth.

“Sundowns, everyone has ruled them out this season but personally I think they will find their mojo soon. They have recruited a very good team, the players brought into the team are improving the side in many ways. Technically, I think they are better even in between the lines this year.”

The 54-year-old added that only a handful of PSL sides — including Arrows — are consistently attempting to impose themselves on matches. He hopes that more teams will adopt a braver, more expressive approach that contributes to the growth of the league and expands the pool of talent available to Bafana Bafana.

“When you check the rest of the PSL you get worried because teams are not creating enough. I would love to see teams being a little bit expansive because we can’t depend on Pirates and Sundowns to produce players for the national team.

“A team like Golden Arrows tries things, to improve individual players to make them household names, but looking at the broader PSL and seeing the negativity that is growing where we approach games hoping for teams to make mistakes without taking any initiative.”

Reflecting further on the AmaZulu defeat, Mngqithi expressed hope that Usuthu coach Arthur Zwane would return to the fearless football the team showcased earlier in the season, rather than the more measured approach.

“Arthur started the season quite well, but I am worried that there are other people putting him under pressure not to play expansive. 

“For a player like (Pule) Ekstein not to start the match against us, as he has been their best player, and coming to a match where you want to be a dominant force because you are  No 5 on the log and you are pushing for a top-three position.

“But you come to a match like this with a mentality to say maybe let’s sit back and react to that, and that worries me because I want teams like AmaZulu to learn because the second round of the season will be completely different.”