WeeklySA_AdminSEMI-FINALS: Once bitten twice shy, ‘Bahlabane Ba Ntwa’ determined to avenge last Sunday’s defeat…
By Masoja Cele
Will lightning strike twice when Lamontville Golden Arrows battle it out against Marumo Gallants in the semi-finals of the Carling Black Label Cup?
The intriguing encounter is pencilled for King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Durban on Sunday at 15h00. Arrows ripped Gallants apart last Sunday, hammering the Free State side 4-0 in a Premier League fixture. The quality of football that “Abafana Besithende” produced against “Bahlabane Ba Ntwa”, who dismantled Stellenbosch in the quarter-finals, was very impressive.
After a long cup drought, it seems good times could be just around the corner for Arrows since the return of Manqoba Mnqithi as head coach.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns gaffer has blended unknown players with experienced campaigners into a balanced and consistent outfit.
Recently, Arrows released long serving players Knox Mutizwa, Sifiso Mlungwana and Thabani Zuke due to contractual and performance issues. They brought in Siviwe Nkwali, Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Muzomuhle Khanyi, all from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Midlands Wanderers FC. They also enlisted the services of Sanele Radebe from Kaizer Chiefs. The new arrivals have helped the team to some formidable football.
Arrows will also parade the skills of attacking midfielders Nduduzo Sibiya and Velemseni Ndwandwe in the engine room to unsettle the opposition midfield line. While the striking pair of Ivorian Sede Junior Dion and Bongani Cele are expected to pose relentless pressure against the Gallants defenders.
Gallants will be gunning for vengeance against Arrows in this Carling Black Label Cup fixture. They are still licking their wounds after last week’s heavy defeat. Cup games, however, are totally different from league matches. Led by Alexandre Lafitte, Gallants will also hope to book a place in the final to play either Richards Bay or Orlando Pirates.
Marumo boast two of the most attacking midfielders in Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Monde Mpambaniso.
Though the pair naturally operate from the middle of the park. They are also notable goal scorers for the team: Daniel Msendami and Christopher Sekela are two forwards that have killer instincts.
Not an easy encounter to predict nevertheless Arrows have a slight edge based on home advantage and previous results.
