Watch VideoLamontville Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi targets top eight despite Mamelodi Sundowns setback

Junior Dion of Lamontville Golden Arrows celebrates his penalty conversion as they went down 2-1 against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, in Tshwane. LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrowshead coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes his youthful squad remains capable of securing a top-eight finish this season, citing the steady growth and resilience they have shown throughout the campaign. Abafana Bes’thende fell to a 2-1defeat against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundownsin their Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The result left Arrows in 12th position on the table, just three points adrift of eighth-placed TS Galaxy, keeping their ambitions firmly within reach. Attention now turns to theNedbank Cupquarter-final this weekend, where Arrows will face KwaZulu-Natal rivals Durban City. With several traditional heavyweights already eliminated from the competition, the path to silverware appears more open than in previous years.

A top-eight finish would represent significant progress for Arrows, who have not achieved that milestone since the 2020/21 campaign when they ended fourth. However, the Nedbank Cup presents an equally compelling opportunity. With the competition wide open, Arrows have a realistic chance to secure only their second major trophy, having last tasted success with the MTN8 in 2009.

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For their league ambitions to materialise, though, consistency will be key. Reflecting on their recent encounters with Sundowns — including a 1-0 victory over the champions in the reverse fixture — Mngqithi admitted his side may have shown the Brazilians too much respect in their latest meeting.

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