Komphela off to winning start at Arrows

Coach Steve Komphela hit the ground running at Golden Arrows in the DStv Premiership this weekend, following Abafana Bes'thende's 1-0 win against Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

With a rare goalless draw between the two sides looming, second-half substitute Nduduzo Sibiya produced a stunning individual effort in the 84th minute as Arrows walked away as victors in Polokwane.

Golden Arrows saw most of the ball during opening exchanges of the game and were patient in their build-up play, especially from defensive positions. Both sides battled to create any notable scoring chances during this period, however, it was Abafana Bes’thende who set the tone of the encounter early on.

Arrows were afforded a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 14th minute, when goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga cleared the ball straight to an Arrows player inside his own half. In looking to take advantage of Sapunga’s error, Arrows swiftly made their way forward but were let down by poor finishing inside the area.

Polokwane City grew in confidence as the half-hour mark approached and manufactured a couple of goal scoring opportunities in the process. However, Arrows did well to keep the home team at an arm’s length.

Rise and Shine ended the half on a high and actively searched for an opener, with the likes of Oswin Appollis and Mokibelo Ramabu picking up decent positions in the final third of the pitch. Nevertheless, Arrows did well to see out the half without sustaining any damage.

Rise & Shine commenced the second-half on a positive note and immediately took the game to the travelling outfit. Appollis continued to be the attacker-in-chief for Polokwane City, while Arrows goalkeeper Sifiso Mlungwana was summoned into action on a couple of occasions.

Both sides struggled to create any standout goal scoring opportunities en-route to the 75th minute mark, however, Polokwane City grew in confidence toward the latter stages of the second-half.

While Oswin Appollis came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the 82nd minute, Arrows took the lead two minutes later as Sibiya got his name on the scoresheet. After making his way down the right-flank, an unmarked Sibiya drove the ball forward before unleashing a venomous left-footed shot that beat Sapunga in goal.

After taking the lead, Arrows kicked into game management mode and enough to secure maximum points at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Polokwane City: (0) 0

Golden Arrows: (0) 1 (Sibiya 84’)

Polokwane City: Sapunga, Ndlovu, Nkaki, Nikani, Matuludi, Kambala, Ramabu (Goovadia 76’), Mashikinya, Mabena (Raphadu 80’), Appollis (Nkwe 87’), Mapfumo (Tshabalala 80’)

Golden Arrows: Mlungwana, Cele, Mwengani, Shitolo, Mhlongo (Cross 76’), Dlamini, van Rooi (Ncube 53’), Mutizwa (Tlolane 70’), Zwane, Mthanti, Libamba (Sibiya 53’)