Golden Arrows ignite Top 8 charge with gritty Sekhukhune United win

Golden Arrows’ season has ebbed and flowed with inconsistency, but just when it matters most, they are finding their rhythm and building momentum in their long-awaited charge towards a return to the Betway Premiership's Top 8.

Abafana Bes’thende secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United this past weekend, as they continue to chase a spot in the lucrative MTN8 for the first times since the 2020/21 season.

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit currently occupy the final spot in the top half of the standings, and despite their encouraging run of form, the pressure remains firmly on them to remain there. Stellenbosch FC sit just behind them in ninth on the same number of points (28), with only goal difference separating the two sides in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race. 

Polokwane City, meanwhile, are just one point ahead of Arrows in seventh, although Rise and Shine do hold a game in hand. 

Nevertheless, it has been a rewarding spell for Manqoba Mngqithi and his team where they have gathered valuable momentum after a shaky first half of the campaign. Arrows have picked up seven points from a possible nine in the last three games, a timely surge that has strengthened their position at a critical stage of the season.

A late strike from Sabelo Sithole sealed all three points for the KZN outfit on Sunday, sending them into the international break with renewed belief. With confidence growing, Arrows will look to sustain this momentum into the final stretch of the season, where they will face Orlando Pirates, Durban City, Orbit College, Siwelele, AmaZulu, Polokwane City, Chippa United and TS Galaxy.

For Sekhukhune United, however, the defeat raises growing concerns.

Eric Tinkler’s side are now in danger of being pulled deeper into the battle for a Top 8 position, where once pan-African competition was on the cards, after going four matches without a win. It has been a run that has dented their early-season promise.

Their inability to sustain the standards they set at the start of the campaign has come at a cost, with their advantage over the chasing Polokwane, Arrows and Stellies now reduced to just six points.

They currently occupy the last spot in a four team bunfight for third spot — which will ensure CAF Confederation Cup qualification. Their upcoming clash against third-place AmaZulu carries significant importance, as a positive result against a side just three points ahead could shift momentum back in their favour.

Meanwhile, Arrows face a daunting assignment upon their return, travelling to Orlando Amstel Arena to take on league leaders Pirates, who have shown strong intent to end their long wait for domestic league glory. Arrows will have a score to settle after they lost the return leg by 3-1 earlier this season

* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch