“We Will Be More Aggressive”: Pitso Issues Bold Warning To Sundowns
Golden Arrows head coach Pitso Dladla has promised an aggressive tactical approach when they host Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semifinal second leg in Durban this coming weekend.
Abafana Bes’thende hold a 1-0 advantage following Junior Dion’s 38th-minute winner at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday, leaving the Durban outfit one step away from their first MTN8 final since 2009.
Dion—who was linked with a move away to Orlando Pirates in the off-season—latched onto Khulekani Shezi’s thread-pass before calmly placing his finish past Ricardo Goss.
Sundowns dominated possession in search of an equalizer, but Arrows held firm to preserve their flawless defensive record of five consecutive clean sheets across all competitions this season.
Dladla, who joined Arrows in the off-season after winning the Nedbank Cup with Durban City, insists his side will not sit back on their goal advantage during the return fixture.
What Is Pitso Dladla’s Plan for the Return Leg?
“I remember the nature of the tournament,” said Dladla.
“The semis are played over two legs; you get a goal away and you have an away-goal advantage.
“We will be more aggressive in our approach because, if you are able to score first away from home, we stand a good chance of emerging victorious.”
Golden Arrows previously lifted the top-eight trophy during the 2009/10 campaign under former coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who routed Cape Town Spurs 6-0 in the final.
Dladla praised his squad’s commitment to seeing out Sunday’s grueling first leg.
“What I was so happy about was seeing the players work their hearts out,” continued Dladla.
“At the end of the game, we managed to win. Sometimes you keep the same desire and commitment because, really, one feels for these players and is proud of the way they played their hearts out like that.”
Before hosting Sundowns in the decisive second leg, Abafana Bes’thende first turn their focus to the Betway Premiership when they host Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday.
