Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained what makes him “very confident” as his side is gearing up for the Orlando Pirates clash in the Betway Premiership.
The two sides will face off on Tuesday, 6 May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. This match was supposed to take place on 19 February, but it was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch after heavy rain in Durban.
Abafana Bes’thende hope to turn their fortunes around after suffering a second successive league defeat, falling 3-0 at home to Stellenbosch FC on Saturday.
The Buccaneers, meanwhile, arrive in high spirits, having secured Soweto Derby bragging rights with a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs on the same day at FNB Stadium.
Mngqithi is confident of getting a positive result on Tuesday, explaining that his troops are already motivated by the challenge of facing the so-called big club.
MNGQITHI BELIEVES HIS TROOPS ARE MOTIVATED AHEAD OF PIRATES TIE
“First, we need to look at Pirates, look at their strengths and their last three or four matches, see how we can capitalise on some of their weaknesses,” said Mngqithi on Saturday at Mpumalanga Stadium after their match against Stellenbosch.
“We also need to do the best we can in dealing with the areas where they are strong.
“And I’m always confident that in games where you don’t need intrinsic motivation, this team can always come out and surprise you because they also want it.
“It’s just unfortunate that when you win those matches [against the so-called big teams], and you have given points away in these matches [against the small teams], it feels bad.
“But I’m very confident that in that Pirates game, we can still do very well.”
Arrows sit 14th on the log standings with 26 points after 23 matches, while the Sea Robbers occupy second place, having racked up 49 points from 22 games.
The two sides will meet again on 13 May in the second round at Orlando Stadium.
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