Ncikazi praises Junior Dion’s leadership after Golden Arrows defeat

Golden Arrows head coach Mandla Ncikazi has described captain Junior Dion as “a coach inside the field” after his side’s 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout.

Iqraam Rayners scored the only goal of the match with a second-half header at Loftus Versfeld, sending the Brazilians into the next stage of the competition.

Ncikazi, who had returned to the Golden Arrows dugout, was encouraged by his team’s defensive performance against the African champions. However, he felt they failed to make the most of the limited opportunities Sundowns allowed them in the attacking areas.

“The last pass, last decision then the whole defending has got no purpose, I was just disappointed on that,” Ncikazi told SuperSport TV.

He also highlighted the team’s failure to carry out its plans from dead-ball situations, as well as a lack of effectiveness in the final third.

“​​Yes, there’s good things that we did when you play African champions you have to bring your A-game,” he added. “But I thought defensively we were ok, we played the way we planned, but I’m just disappointed that Sundowns is not going to give you many opportunities going forward.”

Ncikazi said the result was not a reflection of a lack of effort from his players, but rather of their decision-making when chances did arise.

“I’m not disappointed with the effort, but I’m disappointed just with that last decision, but I’m proud of the boys, I can’t complain, they received whatever we do, they worked very hard, let’s hope we will be better in our next match,” he said.

Dion was seen speaking with Ncikazi during the game, with the coach explaining that the striker plays a key role in communicating instructions on the pitch.

The coach said Golden Arrows had to adjust their pressing structure while chasing the game and that Dion helped pass those instructions on to the players.

“Junior is the captain, he is experienced,” Ncikazi said. “Sometimes when we had to tweak now, we are following from behind where we were pressing, we had to change the person structure.

“We had to change the motivation based on the players that we coming in, you deliver the information to him, there’s a coach inside the field and that’s Dion.”

Ncikazi’s comments underline the responsibility placed on Dion as Golden Arrows’ captain, particularly when tactical changes are required during matches. The defeat leaves the side reflecting on missed opportunities after Sundowns secured victory with the only clear breakthrough of the contest.