Mandla Ncikazi’s return to Golden Arrows FC got off to an emphatic start after a 4-0 victory over Chippa United to reach the Carling Knockout quarter-finals on Saturday, while Siwelele FC knocked out Polokwane City FC via a penalty shootout.
Junior Dion was the hero of the afternoon at King Zwelithini Stadium with a goal and an assist to end a three-match run without finishing the back of the net. Sabelo Sithole, Nhlanhla Zwane and Mamelodi Sundowns product Jerome Karelse weighed in with a goal each to help Abafana Bes’thende seal the big win.
It was a result which ended Arrows’ five-match winless run. Having last tasted victory in late August, the KwaZulu-Natal outfit wielded the axe on coach Pitso Dladla this week, paving the way for the return of Ncikazi.
Although Ncikazi watched the match from the stands, he was partly involved in preparing for this match after his Arrows return was announced on Thursday. Assistant coach Ashley Makhanya led the team from the bench.
The convincing victory could be a good omen for what is to come under the former Orlando Pirates assistant coach. It was also a statement highlighting Abafana Bes’thende’s intentions in this tournament, where teams are trying to dethrone defending champions Orlando Pirates.
On the other hand, it was trouble for Chippa United, whose coach Brandon Truter appears to be skating on thin ice. The Chilli Boys owner Siviwe Mpengesi seems to have been patient with Truter, who has managed just one win, five draws and two defeats in eight Betway Premiership matches.
It is to be seen if Truter will remain in his job after Saturday’s humiliating defeat. Arrows will now proceed to the last eight as they bid to lift the Carling Knockout for the first time in their history.
SIWELELE JOIN GOLDEN ARROWS FC IN CARLING KNOCKOUT QUARTERS
Meanwhile, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on the same day, it needed a penalty shootout to separate Polokwane City FC and Siwelele FC following a 0-0 draw after extra time. Siwelele join Arrows in the quarter-finals after prevailing 4-3 on penalties.
The two teams struggled for a breakthrough inside 120 minutes to drag each other to the lottery kicks. Even after Siwelele had Pirates loanee Aphiwe Baliti red-carded in the 107th minute, Rise and Shine could not take advantage of their numerical advantage.
They were then punished in the kickout when Tidimalo Molokwane and goalkeeper Oscarine Masasuluke missed their takes. Just like Arrows, Siwelele will also be pushing to clinch the Carling Knockout for the first time.
Former Kaizer Chiefs star Tebogo Potsane was named the Man of the Match.
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