Golden Arrows‘ struggles deepened as they suffered a 3-0 loss to Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The defeat leaves Abafana Bes’thende only three points clear of the relegation play-off spot, and coach Manqoba Mngqithi has admitted that a top-eight finish now seems out of reach. However, despite the increasing pressure, Mngqithi remains optimistic that his team can steer clear of relegation.
Tuesday’s encounter was a one-sided affair. Orlando Pirates dominated proceedings and deserved their victory, with goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa, Bandile Shandu, and Kabelo Dlamini sealing a comfortable win for the hosts.
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Speaking after the match, Mngqithi admitted that his side was “blunt on the day” and gave credit to Pirates for their clinical performance.
Golden Arrows’ last taste of victory came in late March, when they edged Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Since then, their form has nosedived, raising alarm bells in Durban.
“It’s a little bit of a challenge now to dream about the top eight, but I still believe we have every chance to save the team,” said Mngqithi.
“We started the game well with a plan of not trying to press as high as we did last time [in their previous meeting against the same Pirates side which they lost 2-1 the previous Tuesday in Durban] because we were aware [Sipho] Chaine is technically very sound and it’s easy for him to find full-backs.
“We conceded a soft goal. I’ve not checked properly what happened there. But from there, we then went back to our high press to try to give it a fight.
“It presented us with good situations, but unfortunately, on the day, we were not sharp. I think on the day, we made far too many technical mistakes and we were late with our press on the sides.
“I think on the day Pirates deserved to win the match. They were stronger than us; they wanted it more. We were not at our best, and it was a different story from our previous match.”
Looking ahead, Arrows face a crucial provincial derby against Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday. With both sides fighting to steer clear of relegation, the clash promises to be a high-stakes affair.