Arrows, CT City in battle between in-form teams

Lamontville Golden Arrows will take on Cape Town City in a Carling Knockout Last 16 encounter at Hammarsdale's Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Abafana Bes'thende have never won this cup competition, but they came close to reaching the final for the first time in 2019 and they lost to eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinals.

Arrows are one of the most in-form teams in the DStv Premiership at the moment as they are undefeated in their last five matches in the competition having claimed a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United on 5 October.

Meanwhile, City have good memories of this cup competition as they won it in 2016 under their current coach Eric Tinkler as the Telkom Knockout a few months after the Western Cape side was established.

The Citizens are in good form at the moment having extended their unbeaten run to three matches in the DStv Premiership when they secured a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs on 3 October.

TEAM NEWS

Arrows captain Thabani Zuke has been working on his match fitness as the defender-come-midfielder makes his return from a long-term injury.

City, on the other hand, will be without the services of their Brice Ambina who is suspended while Nathan Idumba Fasika is unlikely to feature due to a lack of fitness.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Golden Arrows head coach Mabhuti Khenyeza

“The draw is okay because we were expecting to be drawn against any team," Khenyeza said.

"We are all campaigning in the one league, so we couldn't have complained even if we were drawn against any other team."

Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler

"Tough trip away from home. Golden Arrows are in form at the moment, playing very, very good but we will go there and try to hurt them," Tinkler said.

"If you want to win any cup, you must be able to beat anybody you confront...be it Golden Arrows, be it Sundowns or be it whoever you take the fight to them. Would I have preferred a home draw? Yes."

Golden Arrows: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brandon Theron: The 30-year-old will be oozing with confidence after scoring his first goal for Arrows against Sekhukhune and he will pose a threat to City with his long-range shooting ability.

Ryan Moon: The lanky marksman has been influential this season having provided the assist for Arrows' winning goal against Sekhukhune. Moon will be hoping to Inspire Arrows to another victory.

Cape Town City: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Khanyisa Mayo: The Bafana Bafana international has hit form having scored three goals in his last two matches for City and he will be determined to find the back of the net when he faces Arrows.

Darwin Gonzalez: The Venezuelan attacker has also been instrumental for City having provided the assist for the winning goal against Chiefs. Gonzalez's creativity could be key to a City win in Durban.

Golden Arrows v Cape Town City

Head-to-Head (since 2016-17)

PREVIOUS CUP MEETINGS

N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of Golden Arrows and Cape Town City.

CUP RECORD

N/A – This will be the first cup meeting of Golden Arrows and Cape Town City.

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2018-19 CTC 0-0 Arrows

2018-19 Arrows 1-0 CTC Lamola

2019-20 CTC 1-1 Arrows Erasmus; Mutizwa (pen)

2019-20 Arrows 1-4 CTC Mutizwa; Lakay 3 (1 pen), Morris

2020-21 CTC 4-2 Arrows Martin, Fielies, Mdantsane, Lakay; Ndwandwe, Mutizwa (pen)

2020-21 Arrows 1-1 CTC Ndwandwe; Ajagun

2021-22 CTC 4-3 Arrows Lakay, Mkhize, Mdantsane, Martin; Mmodi, Sibisi (pen), Dlamini

2021-22 Arrows 0-1 City Mayo

2022-23 Arrows 1-1 City Lunga; Drammeh

2022-23 City 0-0 Arrows

OVERALL RECORD (all competitions)

P W D L GF GA

Arrows 14 3 6 5 15 19

City 14 5 6 3 19 15