Golden Arrows aiming for attacking flair and defensive solidity against Pirates – Mngqithi

Golden Arrows co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says his team’s fluid attacking football must now be complemented by greater defensive stability as they prepare to host Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday night.

Arrows have been one of the most entertaining sides in the league this season, combining youthful energy with attacking precision. 

Their 3-0 win over Marumo Gallants on Sunday was their fifth victory in six matches, a run that has seen them climb into the top half of the standings and establish themselves as one of the form teams in the league. But for Mngqithi, maintaining that balance between expression and structure will be crucial if Abafana Bes’thende are to continue their momentum — especially against a side of Pirates’ calibre.

“The most important thing for me is this team is scoring goals and that’s what you want for a team in any competitive football,” said Mngqithi.

“This helps because a team will always guarantee you a goal and you just have to worry about keeping things clean at the back. That’s what I’m trying hard to rectify — that our defensive play must be as strong because that’s where most games will be won and lost.”

Arrows have scored in every match since early September, led by Sede Dion, who sits near the top of the league’s scoring charts, while Isaac Cisse and Thokozani Khumalo have also contributed regularly. However, Mngqithi admits that the side’s defending still needs tightening, particularly against set-pieces and during transitions.

Adding to the occasion on Sunday was the presence of former Arrows defender Siyanda Zwane, a member of the team that last delivered silverware for the club when they lifted the MTN8 in 2009. Mngqithi said Zwane’s presence provided inspiration for his young side.

“It’s encouraging when you see legends of this club still following this club, and he (Zwane) was emotional when speaking to me after the game because he said this team reminds him of the old Golden Arrows,” Mngqithi revealed.

The coach, however, cautioned against getting carried away by recent success, insisting that the current project remains a long-term one aimed at establishing sustained competitiveness.

“The truth is we are still building and should not get ahead of ourselves,” he said. “We have a big squad intentionally because I want to build a stronger base that’s going to last the club for as long as possible.”

Arrows’ ability to blend experience with youth has been key to their recent form, and Wednesday’s clash against a confident Pirates side — unbeaten in four matches — will be another measure of how far Mngqithi’s men have come.