Golden Arrows forward Junior Dion has been in fine form this season, with his goals proving vital as his side push to cement their place in the top eight.
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Maintaining their place in the top eight will be Golden Arrows’ main priority when they host Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership on Sunday at the King Zwelithini Stadium (kick-off 3.30pm).
The KwaZulu-Natal side have delivered solid performances throughout the season, but inconsistency has prevented them from fully capitalising. As they prepare for another crucial encounter in their push to cement a top-eight finish, they face a stern test against high-flying Babina Noko, who currently sit among the league’s top three.
Both teams will be aiming to bounce back after midweek draws, while Abafana Bes’thende will also be motivated by revenge following their narrow 1–0 defeat to the Limpopo-based outfit in the reverse fixture at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium earlier this season.
Arrows have narrowly missed out on the top eight in each of the past three campaigns, finishing ninth on every occasion. However, their 1–1 draw against Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday saw them climb into eighth spot — a position they will be determined to hold onto, having last secured a top-eight finish in the 2020/21 season when they ended fourth.
Head coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes his side must show resilience in the face of a demanding run of fixtures if they are to remain in the top half.
“It will be important, and it's what we have been fighting for," Mngqithi said.
“That is what we have been fighting for, and I think that is what we are capable of. I would have loved for us to come in with three points because we still have the threat of Siwelele, who have one game in hand.
“We have finally touched the top eight; now we have to fight to consolidate the place and make it difficult for us to drop out. We have some big assignments coming up, and I believe my team will come through in those matches.”
Junior Dion has emerged as a key figure for Eric Tinkler’s side, scoring 13 goals in all competitions, and is expected to play a crucial role in their pursuit of a strong finish to the campaign.
Mngqithi has also praised the impact of midfielder Siyanda Ndlovu, who has contributed seven assists and four goals this season, highlighting the importance of continued improvement in attack.
“It would be nice not only to maintain Dion’s position in terms of goals but also to keep improving in terms of our offensive actions. It's pleasing to note that Ndlovu is probably number one in terms of assists in the PSL.
“For Dion to be the top goalscorer, we are looking at how many more assists we can get from the other players around him.”
Despite Dion’s impressive form, Mngqithi has urged caution, stressing that the race for the golden boot remains highly competitive.
“But the reality is that I do not want us to be carried away with the fact that Dion is leading now. We can only hope that he maintains it, but the competition is still very tight, and in my opinion, he is competing with Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro at Sundowns, and those two are posing a serious challenge to him.
“Those teams are the ones that create a lot of chances. I can only hope that he stays in the game, because when he is in the game, he is one of our best.”
.* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch