Following their dramatic 2-1 victory over TS Galaxy to secure a semi-final berth, Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has expressed strong confidence in his side’s potential to lift the 2025/26 Carling Knockout trophy.
Mngqithi’s belief stems from his history with the club, as the experienced coach previously guided Arrows to a major cup success, winning the 2009 MTN8 during his first stint. This past triumph fuels his current ambition.
Read: Hugo Broos warns of losing talent in South African football
Confidence Despite Inconsistency
Despite an inconsistent start in the Betway Premiership—where Arrows currently sit ninth with 13 points after 10 games (four wins, one draw, and five losses)—Mngqithi insists his squad possesses the capability to cause upsets in the cup competition.
The coach remains focused on refining his team’s strategy, stating, “We’ve our own principles and playing concepts that I always want to polish, and maybe try to focus on that particular opponent. How can we use our way to get over them?”
Drawing on Past Success
Mngqithi elaborated on his message to his players by drawing a direct parallel to his 2009 victory, where his squad also faced widespread doubt due to a lack of experience.
“If you remember the first time I won the MTN8 with Arrows, I was facing the same issue myself as a coach, not having experienced players,” he recalled. “Everybody was sure that we couldn’t make it because we faced a team that was strong in cup matches [Ajax Cape Town in the final].”
His defiant message to his players then, and now, centers on self-belief: “I told them: ‘I didn’t repeat matric and I didn’t need experience to pass matric — I did it once.’
In life, when you come across this [difficult] moment, you must always want to conquer it even when you are not experienced.” Mngqithi clearly feels that history can repeat itself.
The draw for the Carling Knockout semi-finals was held at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Mangaung last night, setting up two high-stakes encounters for the weekend of November 8/9.
Golden Arrows were drawn against Marumo Gallants and will compete for the coveted final spot.