Ncikazi says Golden Arrows’ scoring problems are down to tactics, not personnel

Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi believes his side’s lack of goals is being caused by a tactical breakdown rather than a shortage of quality players.

Arrows have scored only three goals in nine league matches during the 2026/27 season, despite having Sede Junior Dion, the reigning Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot winner, in their squad.

Ncikazi says the team’s attacking statistics have declined significantly, with fewer touches in the final third and a drop in both final passes and shots at goal.

“I’ll give you the stats that I found, we have played nine games in the league, we have scored three goals, that is information – the touches in the attacking third have reduced from last season,” he said.

“That is something to work on – the final pass we have reduced, the shots at goal have reduced, then it tells you the final third needs to be worked on. Defensively they have been doing well.”

The coach says Golden Arrows continue to build effectively from the back but are failing to progress the ball into dangerous areas, creating a disconnect between their defensive and attacking phases.

“Forward passes from the build-up, we build up well from the back, we enter the middle-third and then there’s the disconnect, we don’t get into the attacking third. This is now the job of the coach, what makes your team build so well?”

Golden Arrows had previously relied on winning possession high up the pitch. Ncikazi says that strength has diminished after the club ranked first in the league for regaining the ball in the attacking third last season.

“Arrows are one of the best teams in building from the back. They were number one in regaining the ball in the attacking third last season, but we have dropped, so there’s a disconnect, and it’s clear there’s a problem.”

Rather than blaming the players, Ncikazi says the solution lies in refining the team’s approach on the training ground and making his expectations clearer.

“I don’t think it’s the personnel, I think it’s the strategy and concept, how you train, what you want from the team and demand.”

Golden Arrows are 10th in the Betway Premiership with eight points from nine games. Their record consists of one win, five draws and three defeats.