Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained why he won’t alter their style of play this season and made a bold prediction of a top eight finish.
Arrows suffered their 10th defeat in 19 games with the 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday evening, that leaves them just three points away from ORBIT College who occupy the relegation play-off spot.
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With 24 goals scored, but 24 conceded, iDiski Times probed the question to Mngqithi whether it’s perhaps time to alter the playing style to generate points – but three points also separating themselves with the top eight, he opts to look to the positives.
“No [I won’t change the playing style], because we have not conceded much this year, I think the team has improved so much defensively this year, we have played so many matches with clean sheets,” Mngqithi said.
“This is a sign of growth from this team and when you concede two against Sundowns, honestly, if you want to complain about that, other people get five, others get three. And we’re only getting two and managed to get one goal.
“Personally, I think this team has improved, defensively, a lot – we’re coming from four games without conceding a goal and that should be a sign that the team is moving towards the right direction.”
He went on to explain how the team has transformed this season, with a new foundation to be optimistic about the near future.
“This team is very young, in the team we had four players in the starting XI who were playing in the ABC Motsepe League last season, if not five, and we’ve got a team who is moving from an average of 34, 33, we have taken it down to closer to 22.
“I’m still trying to make sure I work on these boys and I’m seeing. a lot of growth, I never thought they could be where they are now – and I see them standing a very good chance of finishing in the top eight, I’m being honest, remember this day.”
Arrows take on relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants in their next league fixture and are in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
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