“Heading In The Right Direction” — Dladla Refuses To Bow Down After Arrows’ 13-Match Unbeaten Streak Ends
Golden Arrows coach Pitso Dladla says he is proud of his players after they went toe-to-toe with Mamelodi Sundowns and continued to show signs that the team is heading in the right direction.
Abafana Bes’Thende were eliminated from the MTN8 on Sunday after suffering a 3–2 defeat to Sundowns in the second leg of their semi-final at King Zwelithini Stadium. The result saw the aggregate score finish 3–3, but Sundowns progressed to the final on the away-goals rule.
Despite their elimination, Arrows once again showed their willingness to compete with one of the strongest teams in the country rather than sitting deep and trying to protect their advantage. Dladla’s side approached both legs with a positive, front-foot mentality.
After winning the first leg 1–0, Arrows scored twice in the second leg, but their attacking effort was ultimately not enough to secure their place in the final.
“We are proud of these boys,” Dladla said.
“What you see on matchday is what we do every day at training. One could be pleased with the performance of the team, but we could have got the victory.
“So, we are heading in the right direction.”
Arrows had adopted a similar approach in their MTN8 quarter-final against Kaizer Chiefs, where they also played positively and secured a victory to reach the last four.
The defeat to Sundowns was Arrows’ first loss of the season across all competitions. It was also their first defeat since their heavy 5–0 loss to Orlando Pirates at Orlando Amstel Arena in April, meaning they had gone 13 matches unbeaten before Sunday’s setback.
Attention will now turn back to the Betway Premiership, with Arrows set to face Sundowns again at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
The match will provide Dladla’s team with an immediate opportunity to return to winning ways while maintaining their unbeaten league campaign.
Arrows also remain the only team yet to concede a goal in the Betway Premiership this season, underlining the defensive strength that has been a major feature of their impressive start.
