Mngqithi Praises Dion: He Is The Best Striker
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed his long-standing admiration for striker Junior Dion, a fascination that began when Dion was playing for Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana.
Mngqithi first took notice of Dion when his then-club, Mamelodi Sundowns, played against Jwaneng Galaxy in the early stages of the CAF Champions League.
Dion later moved to South Africa to join Marumo Gallants.
Dion was on the scoresheet for Arrows, scoring a goal that helped his side come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw with Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday night.
This was Dion’s second goal in as many matches, having also scored in Arrows’ victory over Richards Bay last week.
Arrows signed Dion on a free transfer after he was released by AmaZulu at the end of last season. AmaZulu had loaned him back to Gallants last term.
“I have always liked Dion; I liked him from Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana when we played against them in the CAF Champions League when I was still at Mamelodi Sundowns,” said Mngqithi.
“I know what he is capable of. For me, he is one of the best strikers we have in the country. I wouldn’t understand why someone would not know the value of that player because in football actions, he has so much.”
Mngqithi highlighted Dion’s versatility, noting that “he can score with the left and the right foot, he is strong in the air. He has got some dribbles, he is very good in the press, he works very hard for the team, and he is a menace around the box.”
He also added that Dion had “scored a lot of goals against us at Sundowns.”
Statistically, Dion has scored more goals against Sundowns in his PSL career—three in eight matches—than against any other club.
One of those goals came in the 2021/22 Nedbank Cup final, which Gallants lost to Sundowns at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Interestingly, Dion has played against Orlando Pirates more than any other club—11 times—but has yet to score against them.
“So, I have always known what he is capable of. I believe the best is yet to come,” added Mngqithi, whose side has collected four points from three matches and sits seventh in the Betway Premiership table.
