Larsen believes KG’s exit won’t affect Arrows
Abafana Bes’thende unlikely to go on a spending spree
Regardless of his leadership qualities and experience, injuries and minimal impact on the field last season forced Lamontville Golden Arrows to part ways with seasoned midfielder Kagisho “KG” Dikgacoi.
This is the view of Arrows coach Clinton Larsen, who also confirmed that the KwaZuluNatal-based outfit did not renew contracts of their two young goalkeepers, Ricardo Goss and Lee Langeveldt.
“Dikgacoi did not play many games last season and because of that, his departure will not affect the team at all. He was injured for the better part of last season and he made a little contribution to the team,” Larsen told Sowetan yesterday.
The former Crystal Palace and Fulham man registered only 11 appearances in his second stint with the Durban club.
Larsen has admitted that the 32-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in mentoring junior players but emphasised that other seasoned campaigners would continue to help the emerging players at the club.
“Players like KG are very important to the team because they advise youngsters because of the experience they have. He was very helpful in guiding youngsters. We still have Musa Bilankulu, Limbikani Mzava and Lerato Lamola who will guide and keep the youngsters focused,” said the former Bloem Celtic tactician.
For years, Arrows have been known for nurturing their own raw talent rather than buying players from other clubs and Larsen reaffirmed that Abafana Bes’thende would stick to that culture.
“We have gone for continuity but we have some youngsters from our development. We are not prepared to sign players from other clubs because that would mean we should start from stretch to put our combinations together. We have the foundation of the team that we want to build around.
“That is how we have structured our club. We use our own players and we will continue with that approach. We will always give young players an opportunity to shine at the higher level,” he said.