Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has opened up on the decision to bench Ivorian teenage sensation Isaac Cissé during their heavy 5-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in their Betway Premiership tie on Tuesday night.
The Buccaneers humiliated Arrows at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto, securing maximum points through braces from Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis, alongside an own goal by goalkeeper Edward Maova. The result keeps Pirates’ Betway Premiership title ambitions on track.
A notable talking point from the encounter was the absence of Cissé from the starting eleven, given his decent displays since joining the KZN outfit from Société Omnisports de l’Armée in September last year. Cissé was introduced in the 62nd minute of the showdown, replacing Angelo van Rooi.
So far, the 19-year-old midfielder has featured in 18 games across all competitions and has netted three goals.
According to local reports, the player has been linked with a high-profile move to Kaizer Chiefs for the 2026/27 PSL season.
‘I HAVE ALL THE PATIENCE IN HIM’: MANQOBA MNGQITHI
Mngqithi suggested that the noise surrounding the youngster’s future might be taking a toll on his mental game.
Despite the benching, Mngqithi was quick to defend the teenager’s technical ability, while being candid about his recent work output.
“You know, sometimes with younger players, the stress and anxiety that come with all the talk around them can be very dangerous in their heads,” Mngqithi told reporters.
“Well, he did not start even the last game; he was actually not in the team. It’s football, hey. Everybody must play, and also, when he came in [against Pirates], I don’t think he really gave a good account of himself.
“He is still a good football player; unfortunately, he is going through a rough patch,” the coach explained. “The last five matches have not been very good, and he still has to work hard.
“Even against Pirates, I don’t think he ran hard enough when he got in. But I have all the patience in him because I know what he is capable of. I do believe we can still bring a little bit of hunger in him and make him fight a little bit more.”
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