Zimbabwean striker Knox Mutizwa offered his explanation for Golden Arrows’ struggles under coach Mabhuti Khenyeza.
Khenyeza was left in charge when Vusi Vilakazi abruptly left the club in September 2023. Vilakazi left Abafana Bes’thende even though they were having an excellent start to the current season.
At that time, Golden Arrows were in second position after five games, as they had won three times, drawing and losing once respectively.
Boasting a strong start with only one defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, Arrows eyed becoming the league’s surprise contender this season. But the KwaZulu-Natal-based team lost steam along the way, only to win on Steve Komphela’s return.
They have now won two consecutive matches over Polokwane City and Richards Bay respectively. Komphela has inspired wins since he took charge.
Before that Arrows had last won on October 23 against Kaizer Chiefs. They had been on a downward spiral after losing 11 straight matches since then.
MUTIZWA SPEAKS ON WHY MABHUTI KHENYEZA’S FELL FROM GRACE AT ARROWS
As a result, Khenyeza was demoted to be Komphela’s assistant. But Mutizwa, who has been at Arrows since 2016, feels the players never wholeheartedly fought for Khenyeza’s cause.
“We could have done better. He was there for us but I feel like we didn’t do enough for him. Of course, he is still there but as players, we did not do enough for him. We disappointed him.
“We haven’t been winning as much as we are supposed to do. I have also not been scoring. We did put in some work but to be honest, I feel it was not enough for him.
“We did not fight for the coach. Now we have coach Steve, I believe the tough times have taught everyone a lesson.
“As of now, we are all focusing on the season’s remaining games to see that we help the team win. The goal is not to keep losing but we want to end the season on a high note,” Mutizwa told FARPost.
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