Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi has credited his players following their good run in the DStv Premiership this season.
Arrows are having a good season under Ncikazi, having registered seven victories, seven draws, and one defeat in 15 matches with 28 points.
Speaking after his side defeated Stellenbosch FC 3-1 at Danie Craven Stadium on Friday, Ncikazi encouraged his players to continue with the same run to put pressure on title hopefuls at the top of the table.
“I don’t think we had the best start. We were fortunate that we scored first. After we scored, I thought we created better chances to score. It became too easy,” Ncikazi told the club media department.
“At halftime, I had a hard talk with the team and said: 'if there is an opportunity to win and score, we must score more’ so that there are no regrets after the match that we had the chances, but we didn’t win.
“I thought we adapted well in the second half. Fortunately we scored first. We were rattled in some stages in the second half when we were leading 2-1 and fortunate to get the third goal.
“I thought we could have scored more, but let’s be grateful. I’m just proud of this team, proud of these players and the efforts they are putting in without complaints.
“It is good that the club is scoring, and we are within our objectives. I want this team to continue the way they are working and see where it takes us, but proud to be in front of this team.”
Ncikazi was also pleased with striker Michael Gumede, who scored a brace against Stellies on Friday, saying that it was good for the club going forward to have different players scoring.
“I’m just happy for Michael. He has gone through a lot in his life, personal stuff and for him to score two goals, humble as ever, hard-working as always,” Ncikazi said.
“I’m happy for him. At least there is an understanding between him and Knox Mutizwa, and it is good for the team when we have two strikers working well like them. I hope they continue doing that so other strikers can learn from that.”
Arrows' next match is against Black Leopards on February 23 at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
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