Kagiso Dikgacoi discusses Arrows-Royal AM early transfer strategy

Golden Arrows assistant coach Kagiso Dikgacoi believes securing several Royal AM players ahead of the new season has given the club a crucial head start as they look to strengthen their squad and identity.

The Durban-based outfit took advantage of Royal AM’s financial collapse and the termination of their PSL membership by swooping in early to sign some of Thwihli Thwahla’s most experienced and reliable performers.

“It’s always good to have a big squad to look at your options. The guys that came in towards the end of the season are very, very good players and had a huge impact at Royal AM,” said Dikgacoi, speaking at the launch of the KZN Premier’s Cup on Tuesday.

Golden Arrows secured the services of Ayanda Jiyane, Thabo Matlaba, Philani Sithebe, Xolani Ngcobo, Shadrack Kobedi, Sabelo Sithole, Ayabulela Maxwele, and Siphesihle Msomi – all of whom were on Royal AM’s books before the club’s dramatic exit from the top flight.

For Dikgacoi and the rest of the Arrows technical team, getting those players in the door before pre-season has allowed for smoother integration and better planning.

“It’s unfortunate that they came at a later stage [last season], which means they arrived unfit,” he explained.

 “But now they’re with us from the start of pre-season and they’ve already gotten used to the environment – the adjustment period is done.”

Many of the players joined Abafana Bes’thende before the 2024/25 campaign ended, which allowed them to get a taste of the club’s structure, style of play, and expectations. 

That head start, according to Dikgacoi, will be crucial as Arrows look to rebuild around a clearer vision.

“In terms of other signings, the club will make an announcement of both those who have come in and the ones who have gone,” he said. 

“Hopefully, we’re gonna bring in players that will adjust well and fit into the system and the identity of Golden Arrows.”

Arrows endured a turbulent 2024/25 season, narrowly escaping the relegation zone. 

The club is now keen on bouncing back and re-establishing itself as a force in the Betway Premiership – and Dikgacoi believes the recent additions bring the right balance of quality and experience.

The immediate test for the reshaped squad and technical team comes later this month when they take on KwaZulu-Natal rivals AmaZulu in the KZN Premier’s Cup – a match that will offer a glimpse into how far the squad has come since the integration of the new arrivals.

Having a solid pre-season with most of their new players already familiar with the club’s setup, Arrows are hoping their early moves in the transfer market pay dividends when the real business kicks off.