Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi sets top-eight target in South African league after Nedbank Cup exit

Head coach of Golden Arrows Manqoba Mngqithi has disclosed his outfit are now focused on securing a top-eight finish in the Premier Soccer League after their hopes of silverware in the Nedbank Cup came to an abrupt end.

Abafana Bes’thende were knocked out of the prestigious cup competition in the quarterfinals by provincial rivals Durban City. Despite dominating large spells of the encounter, Golden Arrows failed to convert their chances and ultimately paid the price as their opponents secured progression in the tournament.

The disappointing cup exit has forced Mngqithi to reassess his side’s ambitions for the remainder of the campaign. With Arrows currently sitting 12th on the league table, the former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach believes finishing inside the top eight is now the most realistic objective.

Speaking to the media, Mngqithi insisted that the goal is still achievable despite the club’s inconsistent results this season.

“My wish is to finish inside the top eight, and I still believe, and it’s not a far-fetched wish,” he said. “I see my team having the capacity to do that.”

Since taking charge, Mngqithi has introduced an attacking and entertaining style of football at Golden Arrows. However, while the team has shown flashes of quality and creativity, they have often struggled to translate their promising performances into victories.

That inconsistency has prevented the club from climbing higher in the standings, leaving them with significant work to do in the final stretch of the season.

Golden Arrows will have an immediate opportunity to begin their push for a top-eight finish when they travel to face Marumo Gallants this weekend. The away fixture could prove crucial for Mngqithi’s plans as his side seeks to gather momentum and close the gap on teams above them.

With several matches still to be played, the Arrows coach remains confident that his players can rise to the challenge and deliver the results needed to reach their revised target.

For Mngqithi and his squad, the mission is now clear—turn promising performances into points and mount a late charge up the table before the season concludes.