Golden Arrows are soaring, and there's no sign of their momentum collapsing just yet as head coach Manqoba Mngqithi makes an early impression.
Mngqithi is looking to extend to his two-game unbeaten run and keep his side firmly in the race for a spot in the top eight when they face Magesi FC at the Seshego Stadium on Saturday at 3.30pm.
Under Mngqithi’s calm but calculated leadership, Arrows have been nothing short of impressive, securing a draw against all-conquering Mamelodi Sundowns before getting a clean sheet as they beat Polokwane City in midweek.
Abafana Besthende, currently in ninth place on the Betway Premiership standings are about three games behind their top eight rivals, which could present them with an opportunity to surge past them when they catch up.
So far, so good for coach Manqoba Mngqithi. He's doing well with Lamontville Golden Arrows, and I am happy for him he secured a win against Polokwane City on the road. #SSDiski #BetwayPrem
The first of perhaps three fixtures against the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Chippa United and Marumo Gallants kicks off against Dikwena Tsa Meetse, who are expected to be a tough test in their own patch.
Magesi, in 15th place, may sit lower on the table, but they’ve proven time and again that they’re capable of causing upsets.
Despite being relegation-threatened, Magesi are a gritty side that can turn a match on its head. Arrows can't afford to take them lightly, especially with the pressure mounting as the season nears its business end.
Mngqithi knows the importance of keeping this unbeaten streak intact. A win here would not only extend their impressive run but also solidify their place in the top half of the table – a position they’ve fought hard to secure.
The coach has seemingly instilled a sense of discipline and unity in his squad, and the results are starting to show.
Victory for Manqoba Mngqithi's Golden Arrows ⚽#BetwayPremiership #GoldenArrows #polokwanecityfc #backpagepix #Tsamaya pic.twitter.com/levrburUOO
Players like the experienced Knox Mutizwa and Nqubeko Dlamini have been crucial in keeping the team’s balance, while on-loan Sundowns goalkeeper Ismail Watenga has been a rock at the back.
The confidence in the Arrows camp is undeniable, but Mngqithi remains grounded, as he’s always been over the years as he pleaded caution to his side after their last away win in Polokwane.
Magesi may not have the star power of some other teams, but they have heart – and that’s what makes them dangerous and this was evident when they won the Carling Knockout Cup earlier this season.
For KwaZulu Natal based side, the challenge will be staying disciplined, not underestimating their opponents, and continuing to build on the momentum they’ve worked so hard to generate.
The most recent encounter between Magesi and Arrows ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Magesi FC. This result could provide a psychological edge for the hosts as they prepare to face Arrows again.
With Mngqithi at the helm, the Arrows look set to keep flying high, and this clash against Magesi could just be the next step in their steady ascent.