Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi says he is not concerned about losing his best performers, expressing confidence that they can be replaced.
Abafana Bes’thende have in their squad a crop of emerging stars who have been enjoying some regular football. Blended with experienced players, youngsters like Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso, Siyanda Ndlovu, Nhlanhla Gasa and teenage sensation Alwande Booysen have turned themselves into key players at the club.
Interestingly, Arrows raided youngsters, including Mabaso, Mfanuvela Mafuleka, Sboniso Madonsela, Philani Khumalo, Booysen and Gasa from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Midlands Wanderers. Ndlovu and Khumalo are part of the leading players on the assists chart with five each in the Betway Premiership.
Defender Ayanda Jiyane and the league’s top scorer, Junor Dion, are also being linked with moves elsewhere, as is Ndlovu, who is said to be on the radar of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
MNGQITHI INSISTING ON BALANCING THE BOOKS
“To be honest, I don’t have that fear [of losing players] because we also have to balance our books. If good offers come in, I’ve already signed a number of youngsters to ensure we have a ‘team behind the team,’” Mngqithi explained.
“Players like [Nhlanhla] Gasa have already been given opportunities and shown they can step up. [Sabelo] Sithole is another who has come in and shown he can take over.
“I would be happy to get good value for these players so we can reinvest and improve the squad. The reality is that we cannot ignore the fact that our budget isn’t the same as that of other teams. We should be willing to sell, but we shouldn’t be foolish about it. We must sell at the right price to whoever can afford it, so we can balance the books.
“However, we haven’t even discussed selling players yet. Our focus remains on ensuring these boys secure at least a top-eight finish this season.”
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