WeeklySA_AdminQUARTER-FINALS: Rejuvenated “Abafana Besithende” seek to end trophy drought against formidable Galaxy…
By Masoja Cele
Excitement will be palpable – every minute – as Lamontville Golden Arrows go head-to-head against TS Galaxy at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Durban, on Sunday.
The Carling Blak Label Cup quarter finals encounter is expected to generate much excitement, with local, cheering supporters expected to pack the stadium to root for the Arrows.
Yet, the duel must be decided at the playground, not through drowning screams of ululating crowds, in a clash expected to kick-off at 3 pm.
Football fans do not need reminding that this is expected to be an intriguing spectacle between the two exciting teams.
Arrows aim to end a long drought of failure to win trophies. Under the watchful eye of the shrewd mentor Manqoba Mngqithi, the KZN team has improved significantly.
Mngqithi has spent several years as a coach ship-shaping the fortunes of Mamelodi Sundowns. He returned to Arrows in March. Soon after, the likeable head coach began implementing his tactical philosophy to improve the fortunes of his team.
The coach’s efforts to turn things around appear to be bearing sweet fruits. Arrows have turned the corner, becoming a forceful side again.
The “Back Heel Boys” are known for their attacking and “carpet” exciting football, very much intentional to win games.
With Mngqithi back as coach, the desire to win games and trophies is becoming obviously displayed through their attacking blend of football.
The side last won the MTN title in 2009. How they perform against Galaxy, will, in a sense, become a litmus test, if they are on course to changing their fortunes.
Waltzing through to the final must be accompanied through hard work and commitment. Anything short of this, counts for nothing.
But there is hope. “Abafana Besithende” are beginning to show green shoots of potency.
The form is back. In the Carling Cup last 16 encounter against Sekhukhune United, they were devastating, beating the in-form side by a 3-1 win.
If anything, the result may prove they are back, and committed to be a force to be reckoned with.
They boast of quality players, honed to be destructive.
Players who have impressed in the colours of Arrows include midfield instigator Nhlanhla Zwane, speedy right winger Nduduzo Sibiya, striker Bongani Cele, long serving winger Angelo Van Rooi, and the experienced defender, Gladwin Shitolo.
Zwane is sheer class. He makes Arrows tick effortlessly.
The well-travelled Shitolo is the pillar of the “Abafana Besithende” human wall. His tackles are of rare quality and well-timed.
Mngqithi will have a large pool of players from where to select a quality eleven to face the uncompromising Galaxy.
“The Rockets”, as Galaxy are called, are in a class of their own.
They thrive in writing their own story as it was evident when they won the Nedbank Cup in 2019.
The feat made them the first and only second tier team to win the national trophy, beating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the final under the head coach guidance of Dan “Dance” Malesela.
Can Galaxy rewrite the history and push all the way to win the Black Label Carling Cup?
Under the mentorship of Bosnian Herzegovina’s native, Adnan Beganovic, Galaxy’s performance has improved drastically.
The Mpumalanga-base side reached the quarter finals after narrowly dispatching Orbit College FC 1-0 after extra time.
The matches between the two sides have always produced tense football because of their similar style of play.
Galaxy is known for their ball artistry and excellent football. They have players who make football look easy.
Attacking midfielder Siphesihle Maduna is lethal when on form. Maduna’s combination with the tireless Nhlanhla Mgaga is devastating.
Another exciting prodigy in the Galaxy team is former Kaizer Chiefs development player, Puso Dithejane.
The right winger is equally lethal with both feet, even at awkward positions.
Then there is the senior servant of the team, defensive midfielder Mpho Mvelase. Despite his ripe age at 38, Mvelase still produces the same football that enticed Galaxy to sign him on.
Difficult to predict. It could go either way.
