Mngqithi Gears Up for Pirates Showdown: “We’re Facing a Challenging Stretch”
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has contacted supporters, encouraging them to keep faith in the club’s strategy despite recent difficulties.
The Arrows are preparing to host Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium for a Betway Premiership clash on Tuesday [19:30]. Their aim is to break a two-match losing streak that has seen them slip to 14th in the league standings.
Their latest setback was a 3-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC over the weekend, with all goals stemming from the second phase of set pieces.
Coach Mngqithi has prioritized addressing this weakness in training ahead of their encounter with a Pirates side eager to secure points to narrow the gap on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates achieved a 2-1 victory against Kaizer Chiefs in their league match at FNB Stadium on Saturday. However, Sundowns also triumphed in their following match, further extending their lead in the title race.
Additionally, Arrows’ loss to Stellenbosch FC marked their fourth consecutive league match without a victory since they last triumphed over Pirates’ rivals, Chiefs, at the same Durban venue in late March.
Pirates are also returning to the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday for the Nedbank Cup final against Chiefs, looking to gain momentum with a favorable result against the Arrows.
“I encourage our supporters at Golden Arrows to come out in large numbers and watch this match,” Mngqithi said. “They need to trust the process. Although our recent results haven’t been ideal, if they observe the performances, they’ll see the team is making progress.”
“I am very hopeful that we will make strides, starting with the match against Pirates. That support is crucial. I assure them that they will witness exceptional football.”
The Arrows face a tough challenge, especially since their last meeting with Pirates ended in a significant 7-1 defeat at Orlando Stadium last season.
This match was initially slated for February 19 at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammersdale, KwaZulu-Natal, but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions that made the pitch unplayable.
In the meantime, Arrows are actively recruiting from the now-defunct Royal AM, with recent signings including goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo and defender Ayanda Mabutho, who has experience with both Royal AM and Nathi Lions.
The growing roster of players joining Arrows as free agents from Royal AM, which lost its PSL membership following takeover by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), includes Siphesihle Msomi, Shadrack Kobedi, Philani Sithebe, Sabelo Sithole, Ayabulela Maxwele, and Thabo Matlaba.