The secret behind Arrows’ golden start to new season
THE new Premiership season has continued the trend of dramatic moments, teams and players, just five matches into the campaign.
One of the least expected surprise packages of the first few rounds are Golden Arrows, who concluded the fifth round of fixtures closest to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Durban club have collected 10 points from a possible 15 and are second on the league standings, level on points with expected contenders SuperSport United and three ahead of Orlando Pirates in fourth.
While it may be premature to suggest that Abafana Bes’thende will remain in the mix of the title race for a sustainable period, their bright start to the campaign has somewhat of a “paper trail” – and it is no secret.
The co-coaching duo of Mabhuti Khenyeza and Vusumuzi Vilakazi, ahead of the new season, highlighted the importance of learning from the club’s shaky start last season by both the technical team and players, and sought to address that this time around.
Many may have expected the departure of star player Pule Mmodi to be a hindrance to the team’s progression, but it appears that it may have paved the way for exciting times for Arrows.
The first building block was continuity. Khenyeza expressed a great desire to retain a large group of his players that missed out on the top eight on the final day last season, needing that core to form a solid foundation for the potential new arrivals.
The experienced trio of Ismail Watenga in goal and defenders Brandon Theron and Bradley Cross have slotted in seamlessly on the defensive end, but the adjustment of regulars Gladwin Shitolo and Themba Mantshiyane have made the transition even easier.
Secondly, the KwaZulu-Natal team have an eye for talent. Arrows have scored nine goals in their three wins, one loss and a draw so far, making them the second-highest scorers in the division, bettered only by Sundowns.
Former Hungry Lions player
Angelo van Rooi and Lungelo Nguse have already been involved in five goals in their debut season with the club.
Arrows have always been known as a side that can unearth diamonds from around South Africa, and it seems as if they have two gems on their hands once more – two players ready to increase their chances of a top-eight finish.
Lastly, they understand the club culture. Arrows may have a bundle of critics for their apparent “acceptance of mediocrity”, but that hasn’t shaken the club’s belief in their rich culture.
Having two former players at the helm appears to have been a strategic plot to reinvigorate the extravagant, entertaining and enterprising Arrows of yesteryear – one that is built around speed, skill and artistry.
While we are yet to find out what they are about in the long term, it is worth noting that Arrows appear to have their targets in sight.