Mngqithi wary of Arrows threat ahead of Carling clash

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi is not expecting an easy match as the team will be on a quest for more silverware when they take on Golden Arrows at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.

Kick-off is at 18:00 CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Sundowns have been undergoing a period of change after parting ways with former head coach Rulani Mokwena, but the team seems to be getting back into their groove.

They were knocked out of the MTN8 semi-finals by Stellenbosch but recovered in the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds and won 4-0 in both legs against Swallows.

As for league form, the Brazilians are in first place but are tied on points with Orlando Pirates.

Arrows are in seventh place of the Betway Premiership but have run into poor form having lost their last two consecutive matches against Sekhukhune United and newly promoted Magesi respectively.

WHAT WAS SAID

During the Carling Knockout Cup press conference in Johannesburg, coach Manqoba Mngqithi acknowledged that Golden Arrows will be a challenging team to play against.

“It’s not going to be an easy match. When we played them in the final stages of last season to a goalless draw in Durban, they were very dangerous. They are a team that has influential players who are always looking to create possibilities for them,” he said.

“It’s a complex game but more than the flamboyance that you think will be there, I see a lot of transitions.”

“We will need to contain the situation better, probably with better counter-pressures and rest defence with better organisation behind the ball. If we achieve that, I think we will do well,” Mngqithi added.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi Sundowns - The Brazilian has already netted three goals and bagged an assist in the Betway Premiership and will be looking to increase his tally in the Carling Knockout Cup.

Knox Mutizwa, Golden Arrows - The Zimbabwean also has a goal to his name in the league and is known for running in behind to score goals, challenging the opposition defensively. 

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Head-to-Head (Since 2000/01)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

Season Cup Result Scorers

2005/06 Coca-Cola, 1st rd Sundowns 4-0 Arrows Chabangu 2, P. Ndlovu, Sapula

2005/06 Absa Cup, 1st rd Arrows 0-1 Sundowns Ngwenya

2007/08 Telkom KO, 1st rd Sundowns 3-0 Arrows Chabangu 2, Sheppard

2012/13 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Sundowns 1-0 Arrows Laffor

2013/14 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Arrows 1-4 Sundowns Shange; Wome, Mokoena, Laffor, Tau

2016/17 Nedbank Cup, 2nd rd Arrows 1-0 Sundowns Sibiya

2018/19 MTN8, qfinal Sundowns 2-0 Arrows Vilakazi, Arendse

2019/20 Telkom KO, sfinal Arrows 1-2 Sundowns Sibiya; Kekana, Sirino

2021/22 MTN8, sfinal, 1 st leg Arrows 1-1 Sundowns N. Dlamini; Safranko

2021/22 MTN8, sfinal, 2 nd leg Sundowns 3-0 Arrows Shalulile, Lunga, Maema