Mngqithi: Pirates Hammering Still Stings
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi admits that the 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Orlando Pirates in their midweek Betway Premiership clash still stings in his blood.
Arrows were dismantled by the Soweto giants at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday, a match where they struggled even to lay a glove on their opponents.
However, Mngqithi is adamant that his side must move on quickly as they prepare to host Durban City in a highly anticipated Durban Derby at King Zwelithini Stadium this Saturday.
“It hurts,” said Mngqithi. “But we have to ensure we focus on the next assignment, and I can see that the team has recovered.”
Finding the Silver Lining
Despite the heavy defeat, the “football gods” were kind to Arrows. Results elsewhere ensured they remained in the top half of the table.
“The only thing worse than losing to Pirates would have been finding ourselves in 10th position, but the Gods of football were on our side,” Mngqithi noted. “This allows us to consolidate our position.”
Currently, Arrows sit eighth in the Betway Premiership standings with 28 points from 23 matches, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a top-eight finish.
Shading the Neighbors
Looking ahead to the derby, Mngqithi couldn’t resist a jab at Durban City. While City only lost 1-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday, Mngqithi suggested the scoreline was misleading.
“Sometimes the scoreline will deceive you,” he remarked during a media briefing at Max’s Lifestyle on Thursday.
“In that game, Sundowns had four clear-cut chances and hit the upright twice. That match could have easily finished 5-0 in favor of Sundowns.”
He acknowledged City’s defensive resilience but pointed out that Arrows had dominated them in previous encounters despite losing on penalties in the Nedbank Cup.
Tactical Mind Games
Mngqithi also touched on City’s injury woes, noting the absence of key players like Mfanafuthi Mkhize and the fact that Terrence Mashego was ineligible to face his parent club, Sundowns.
“I already know their potential starting lineup; I do my homework,” Mngqithi said confidently. “I believe we have a team that can overcome anyone. We were simply unfortunate in the previous match.”
The reverse league fixture between these two rivals ended in a 1-1 draw at Chatsworth Stadium, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch this weekend.
