Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi says that while his team is winning games and getting closer to his desired standard, he is still mindful of the setbacks they’ve experienced in the past.

Arrows secured their spot in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 by coming from behind to defeat Sekhukhune United 3-1 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

This victory marked Arrows’ third consecutive win, following triumphs over Mamelodi Sundowns (Mngqithi’s former club) and Orbit College. All three wins were secured at home.

Focusing on Process and Consistency

“This team, I’m still nursing the processes. I’m still nursing the setbacks that may come,” Mngqithi said after the match.

“And [I want to] make sure that the process goes according to plan. You are looking at it—the three consecutive wins, but I’m looking at it in terms of consecutive good performances.”

Mngqithi elaborated on his focus on performance quality rather than just results: “From the Kaizer Chiefs performance [a 1-0 loss], I thought the team performed well. Polokwane City was just unfortunate [a 2-1 loss], Sekhukhune [a 1-0 loss]—we were unfortunate in the first match. But I’m seeing what I was complaining a lot about last season.”

He noted a significant improvement in squad consistency: “If you remember, I was complaining about football actions and most of the players. Today [Saturday], they had a very good game, tomorrow it is something else. We were chopping and changing the squad, trying to find solutions. But this year we are able to keep 80, 90 percent of the squad, and already it is getting closer and closer for people to see what the best starting XI for Golden Arrows is. And for me, that is very positive.”

Past Tournament Record and Future Focus

Arrows’ progression to the Carling Knockout quarter-finals replicates their achievement from the 2023/24 season. However, they were eliminated in that quarter-final, losing 3-0 to AmaZulu, with Junior Dion—who now plays for Arrows—scoring a hat-trick at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

In a separate competition last season, Mngqithi’s then-coached side was hammered 5-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in the first round. Mngqithi, however, did lead his team to the final of the Knockout Cup that season, losing to Magesi FC.

When asked if he aims to lead Arrows to the final again, correct past mistakes, and potentially win the competition, Mngqithi responded that this is not his current focus.

“I will be lying if I say I’m focusing on that with this team,” he stated of his side, who were paired with TS Galaxy at home in the quarter finals.

Upcoming League Fixture

Arrows, who currently sit eighth in the Betway Premiership table with 13 points after nine matches, will resume their league campaign after the FIFA international break. They are set to visit Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium on 22 October.