Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi expresses concern over Phuso Dithejane's form ahead of crucial match.
Arrows will host Galaxy in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday at 15:00.
The 21-year-old Dithejane has been a standout performer for Galaxy this season, featuring in nine league matches, scoring three goals, and providing two assists.
He was awarded Betway Premiership Player of the Month for September following a series of impressive performances that included this season’s first hat-trick against Chippa United and a Man of the Match accolade.
His accomplishments saw him beat strong contenders such as Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and Sekhukhune United’s Keletso Makgalwa.
“Dithejane is one of the most promising players in the league at the moment,” Mngqithi commented during a media briefing on Friday.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach also acknowledged other threats from Galaxy, stating:
“Seluleko Mahlambi is performing exceptionally well — that’s undeniable. Mpho Mvelase may be among the older players, yet his threat remains significant.
“Surprisingly, he’s quite strong in aerial duels considering his size. We must concentrate on the upcoming game and not dwell on previous encounters, as they cannot be altered. The key is how we confront them now.”
Arrows will face a Galaxy side that has proven difficult to defeat.
Abafana Bes’Thende have not secured a win against Galaxy since May 2021, when they triumphed 3-0 in Durban, during a match held without spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Sine then, Arrows have gone nine matches without a victory against Tim Sukazi’s team.
However, Mngqithi remains unfazed by historical results, noting that he wasn’t in charge during those matches.
Galaxy also notably defeated Arrows in the 2018/19 Nedbank Cup semifinal, marking a historic moment as the first lower-division side to win the trophy.
“Sometimes I’m unsure if it’s assertiveness or arrogance, but I prefer to focus on how a team performs against me personally,” Mngqithi elaborated.
“It’s not solely about their past performances against my current squad; rather, my concentration is on the opponent for this specific match.
“Regardless of circumstances, history can always be rewritten in a fleeting moment. It’s true that Galaxy has been a challenging opponent for Arrows, but they haven't beaten me since my arrival here, and my goal is to find a way to triumph and advance to the next round.
“They are a resilient team — they fight tenaciously and possess players who are dedicated.”
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