Golden Arrows stun Kaizer Chiefs to reach MTN8 semi-finals

Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Pitso Dladla praised his side’s tactical discipline, physical commitment and determination after Khulekani Shezi’s goal secured a shock 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs and a place in the MTN8 semi-finals.

Shezi’s second-half strike decided a closely fought quarter-final at FNB Stadium on Sunday. Arrows spent much of the match without possession but remained organised enough to frustrate Kaizer Chiefs before taking advantage of their opportunity.

The result marked an important early statement for Dladla, who began a new era at Lamontville Golden Arrows after taking charge at the start of the season. His team will now face Mamelodi Sundowns in the last four.

Dladla said the preparation for the tie had focused on more than the tactical demands of facing Fernando Da Cruz’s side. He also wanted his players ready for the physical intensity of the game and expected them to work harder over greater distances.

“It was very difficult, the preparations were hard because we didn’t just look at the tactical aspect, we had to be fully prepared physically, we said that we should cover more distances than them,” Dladla said after the match.

Kaizer Chiefs tried to establish control, particularly in the first half, and Arrows were required to defend for long periods. Despite seeing less of the ball, however, the visitors maintained their shape and limited the home side’s ability to create clear-cut chances.

Arrows continued to close down space and compete for duels as the match wore on. Dladla felt the level of effort from his players was reflected in the ground they covered, even as some began to suffer from cramp.

“If you could see our players, we covered a lot of ground. We were still fresh in fact except for a few that were cramping,” Dladla said.

For the Arrows coach, the victory could not be explained by tactics alone. He highlighted the mentality required to remain committed while enduring long spells without the ball, with every player contributing to the defensive effort and the team’s wider objective.

“It was beyond tactics, it was also about the desire and having big hearts to keeping going in periods we were suffering without the ball,” he added.

“It was a collective effort to be honest.”

The victory means Lamontville Golden Arrows will have another chance to measure themselves against one of South Africa’s leading clubs when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-finals.

Having eliminated Kaizer Chiefs, Dladla believes his players have already demonstrated the physical strength and mental resilience needed to compete at that level. Khulekani Shezi also led the celebrations after his decisive goal, which sent Arrows through at the expense of the hosts.