Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has emphasized the need for caution despite his team's convincing 4–0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership on Sunday, as they prepare for a challenging matchup against Orlando Pirates this week.
Arrows will face Gallants again in the Carling Knockout semi-final at King Zwelithini Stadium this weekend, marking an opportunity to capitalize on their recent success. The win has propelled the Durban-based side to seventh place on the Premiership table, amassing 16 points from 11 matches.
The victory provides Abafana Bes’Thende with a psychological advantage heading into their home game against Pirates on Wednesday.
However, it’s noteworthy that Arrows have not defeated Pirates since 2021, a match that took place behind closed doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ironically, Mandla Ncikazi, who was the head coach of Arrows during that time, is now serving as an assistant coach at Orlando Pirates.
While Mngqithi celebrated Sunday’s performance, he was cautious about drawing conclusions from the scoreline.
“The scoreline is not always what you should focus on as a coach,” Mngqithi stated.
“You can feel content with a win, but our concentration should be on consistency. Sometimes it can be regrettable to score four in one match — it might have been better to distribute those goals over several games.”
“On the positive side, we're finding the net, which is crucial in competitive football. You want a team that can reliably secure at least one goal. The real task is ensuring a solid defense, as outcomes often hinge on who concedes less. A narrow 1–0 win can suffice if you defend well.”
Arrows’ recent victory marked their fifth in six matches across all competitions, demonstrating a strong run of form. They have won seven of their last eight home games, including a significant victory over Mngqithi’s former club, Mamelodi Sundowns.
The only blemish in their home record occurred against Kaizer Chiefs, but that match was relocated to Moses Mabhida Stadium in August due to safety concerns.
Despite their impressive home statistics, Mngqithi is maintaining a level-headed approach ahead of the Pirates encounter.
“I don’t want to get carried away because that can create unnecessary pressure on the players,” he explained.
“When you approach the game with a mindset of can’t lose here, it resembles a drunk person saying, I don’t want to fall — the focus shifts from playing naturally. The more you concern yourself with avoiding mistakes, the more likely you are to make them.”
“Nevertheless, it's encouraging that we've been strong at King Zwelithini. The players exhibit great engagements, the team appears physically robust, and we often conclude games stronger than our opponents. That’s a significant advantage in our performance this season.”
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