Mngqithi Praises KZN Teams After Nedbank Cup Success
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi says he has been encouraged by the strong performances of KwaZulu-Natal teams this season.
Arrows required a second day to secure their place in the Nedbank Cup round of 16, following a convincing 3-0 victory over Orbit College at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
The match had been abandoned at the same venue on Saturday due to severe weather conditions, with thunderstorms sweeping across Durban.
Inspired by an impressive display from Siyanda Ndlovu, Arrows swept Orbit aside and joined fellow KZN sides Mkhambathi, Durban City, and Richards Bay in the next round of the competition.
AmaZulu could become a fifth KZN club to reach the round of 16 should they overcome Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.
While KZN teams have enjoyed a clean sweep in the Nedbank Cup so far, none are currently battling relegation in the league.
AmaZulu sit fourth in the Betway Premiership, Durban City are sixth, Richards Bay ninth, and Golden Arrows 10th on the table.
The province could be further represented in the top flight next season if Milford FC maintain their position at the summit of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, where they currently lead.
“It really excites me when I see KZN teams performing well in general, not only in cup competitions,” Mngqithi said.
“I think there have been huge improvements in how these teams are playing, especially in the exposure of young talent.
“Durban City have a lot of youngsters coming through. Ronnie Gabriel at Durban City, Papi Zothwane at Richards Bay, and Arthur Zwane has also done well with AmaZulu.
“For me, that is very important because this province produces a lot of talent. We cannot afford to overlook what we have here and always look outside, when teams from other provinces are actually benefiting from players coming from KZN.
“That, for me, is very positive.”
The win over Orbit ended a six-match winless run for Golden Arrows.
Abafana Bes’thende will next travel to face Magesi FC in a Betway Premiership fixture at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane on Friday.
