CARLING KNOCKOUT: Mandla Ncikazi Admits Golden Arrows Fell Short in Key Areas Against Mamelodi Sundowns

Mandla Ncikazi, coach of Golden Arrows during the Betway Premiership 2026/27 match between AmaZulu and Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on 31 October 2026 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Ncikazi’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns where a second-half Iqraam Rayners header settled the tie.

This was the head coach’s second game back in charge of the Betway Premiership side after starting his new spell with a narrow 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu.

Reflecting on the recent defeat, Ncikazi admitted that his side failed to take their chances.

“There’s two ways to choose you have to box smart against Sundowns, does your quality allow you to go 50/50? Where can you benefit? We got the spaces, but the final passes [wasn’t there],” the coach said on iDiski Times.

READ: CARLING KNOCKOUT: Mandla Admits Golden Arrows Fell Short in Key Areas Against Mamelodi Sundowns

“We changed the way we pressed, formation, based on the personel we brought on, we had some half chances, but we’re not clinical as them.

“They scored from their half-chance, but no ifs and buts, we go home, try and make the team better, that’s why we are coaches.”

Arrows are next in action against Ncikazi’s former team Orlando Pirates, on 28 November.