Golden Arrows boss Dladla urges players to target Bafana Bafana selection

Golden Arrows head coach Pitso Dladla says the club will benefit if more of his players pursue their ambitions of representing Bafana Bafana.

Dladla believes Golden Arrows should actively encourage their players to aim for the national team, saying international recognition can help both the individual footballer and the club develop.

Ronaldo Van Neel has already moved closer to that goal after being included in Pitso Mosimane’s preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Dladla says Van Neel’s selection should also motivate the rest of the Golden Arrows squad to continue striving for the same level.

Van Neel joined Golden Arrows from Hungry Lions after making a significant impact in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The striker ended last season as the competition’s top scorer, with 13 goals.

His opening period at Golden Arrows has instead focused largely on adjusting to a higher level of football. However, Dladla is confident the forward has the ability to make a bigger impact once he becomes more familiar with his new surroundings and team-mates.

“That is why it’s good to have a national team coach who is local because I can tell you that coach Pitso and his technical team are not seeing Ronaldo Van Neel here at Arrows,” said Dladla.

“I’m sure if you talk to them, they will tell you they know him and that they have been following him. But for us as a team, we know what Ronaldo is capable of. He is still settling in; he hasn’t adapted fully. I promise you once he acclimatises, you will see more of him, but it’s pleasing to see him in the national team. We’ve got so many talented players, to be honest with you.”

Since taking charge of Abafana Bes’thende, Dladla has guided the side to notable victories against Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8. Golden Arrows also secured a league win over Stellenbosch during that period.

The club began its league campaign with an unbeaten run across the opening six matches, recording one victory and five draws. That sequence ended with a defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns on 6 September.

Dladla has been encouraged by the mentality and competitiveness of his squad, particularly in matches against some of South Africa’s bigger clubs. He now wants Golden Arrows to produce that level of performance more consistently and turn strong displays into a greater number of victories.

The coach says entertaining football and competitive performances will have limited value unless the team can convert them into points.

One of the most positive features of Golden Arrows’ campaign has been their defensive organisation. They conceded only two goals in their first six league matches, underlining the discipline shown by the team.

Dladla’s next priority is to improve the side’s effectiveness in attack. He wants his players to find a way to match their defensive solidity and hard work with greater efficiency in front of goal, so that promising performances result in more wins.