Golden Arrows target Orlando Pirates after MTN8 victory over Sundowns

Lamontville Golden Arrows’ leading supporter, Peter “Rasta” Miya, says the club’s main challenge this season will be competing with Orlando Pirates after their impressive start to the 2026 MTN8 campaign.

Golden Arrows took a significant step towards the final by beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday.

The result leaves Arrows halfway to securing a place in the 2026 MTN8 Cup final, with Sundowns now facing the task of overturning the deficit when the tie moves to Golden Arrows’ home territory.

Miya believes the Durban-based side can complete the job and is already looking ahead to a possible final against Orlando Pirates.

“People shouldn’t forget we made history in this very same MTN8. We are the club that beat Ajax Cape Town 6-0 in 90 minutes in a final of the same cup competition.

“Sundowns are now coming to our territory, we will walk all over them. We are going to tear them apart and wait for Orlando Pirates in the final, lidume izulu!” Rasta tells KickOff.

The supporter also credited Golden Arrows coach Simo Dladla for changing the course of the semi-final after Sundowns controlled much of the midfield during the opening period.

“Let’s be honest; we have a very clever coach in Simo Dladla. In the first half, Sundowns dominated the midfield, but our coach managed to neutralize that in the second half.

The victory means Golden Arrows will take a narrow advantage into the return fixture, having prevented Sundowns from scoring in the opening match of the tie.

Miya said Dladla’s contribution should not be underestimated, pointing to the coach’s success in last season’s Nedbank Cup with Durban City.

“Let’s not forget, this is the same coach who won the Nedbank Cup for Durban City last season.”

Arrows’ victory over Sundowns has strengthened their hopes of reaching another MTN8 final, while Miya believes the club has already dealt with two of the teams competing for honours this season.

“The team we need to compete with this season is Orlando Pirates. As for the other two, we have already dealt with them.”

Golden Arrows’ immediate priority remains the second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns. However, Miya’s comments underline the confidence within the club’s support base, with a potential meeting against Orlando Pirates in the final now firmly in his thoughts.

The first-leg win has given Arrows an advantage, but Sundowns still have an opportunity to respond in the return match and prevent their opponents from reaching the 2026 MTN8 Cup final.