Ncikazi warns Arrows must find cutting edge against Sundowns

Newly appointed Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi says his side’s lack of creativity and finishing in the final third is his main concern before Tuesday’s Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The match will be played at Loftus Versfeld, with kick-off scheduled for 7 PM.

The fixture will be Ncikazi’s second game in charge of Abafana Bes’thende since he joined from Orlando Pirates over the past two weeks.

Golden Arrows will be looking to recover from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by AmaZulu in the Betway Premiership, but face a difficult task against the defending champions.

Ncikazi believes his team must be more effective in the opposition box if they are to challenge Sundowns.

“We have another game on Tuesday [against Sundowns],” said Ncikazi.

“So, we want to train certain aspects, but we are playing games. But that’s the responsibility of a coach. We must find a way.

“But I’m just concerned about us in the attacking third. I’m concerned about us being so less creative in the opponents’ half, scoring so much less goals.

“But I also saw with my eyes today [on Saturday against AmaZulu], first half, why we are where we are.”

Ncikazi said the tight schedule gave him limited time to work on the areas he wants to improve, but insisted it was his responsibility as coach to find solutions while matches continued to come quickly.