Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi says the statistics show in detail why the club has struggled to score goals this season as he looks to turn things around.
One of the most overused lines in world football from coaches when asked how to remedy their issues has been the complaint of not having a proper number nine.
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With Arrows, they have one of the most clinical strikers in the league, with Sede Junior Dion, the reigning Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot winner.
But Ncikazi admits the supply has been lacking in the 2026/27 season and their previous tactical ploy of looking to win possession higher up the field has dramatically dropped.
“I’ll give you the stats that I found, we have played nine games in the league, we have scored three goals, that is information – the touches in the attacking third have reduced from last season,” he said.
“That is something to work on – the final pass we have reduced, the shots at goal have reduced, then it tells you the final third needs to be worked on. Defensively they have been doing well.
“Forward passes from the build-up, we build up well from the back, we enter the middle-third and then there’s the disconnect, we don’t get into the attacking third. This is now the job of the coach, what makes your team build so well?
“Arrows are one of the best teams in building from the back. They were number one in regaining the ball in the attacking third last season, but we have dropped, so there’s a disconnect, and it’s clear there’s a problem.
“I don’t think it’s the personnel, I think it’s the strategy and concept, how you train, what you want from the team and demand.”
Arrows are currently 10th in the Betway Premiership with eight points from nine games, one win, five draws and three defeats.