Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Mabhuti Khenyeza was understandably delighted with his team’s surprise success on Wednesday as they upset Stellenbosch 2-0 away at the Athlone Stadium in their first match of the new Betway Premiership season.
Arrows were making a belated kick off to the campaign while Stellenbosch have been on a six match winning streak in both the MTN8 and African Confederation Cup since early last month.
Siyanda Mthanti scored a counter attack goal in the 70th minute to break the deadlock and substitute Lungelo Nguse added a last gasp penalty.
“It was a good game. Good fight, Stellies are good side. Very, very competitive,” said a pleased Khenyeza, back in the hot seat at the club after the departure of Steve Komphela back to Mamelodi Sundowns.
“It was our first game and we've been watching them most of the time when they're playing their games, and studying taking their game plan.
“I saw how they were winning games and what specific players were doing. (Andre) De Jong, for example, sometimes drops, plays as a false nine. And when you are aware of that, you deny the space behind, because they want the space behind, rather give them the space in front.
"We also looked to deny them wing play. They’re very, very good on the side,” explained Khenyeza.
The win is a boost in confidence for Arrows, who are next home against Marumo Gallants in Hammarsdale on Saturday.
“I think these past seasons, it has been difficult to come and play in the Cape. We’ve been losing most of the time,” said the Arrows coach.
“I think the last time we won, it was 3-1, in the season where we came fourth on the log in 2019.
“I was happy that the took the game to Athlone. There are a few good memories on my side from when I was still playing here, and it encouraged me a bit because I was telling the boys that it's not the same when we played Stellies in Stellenbosch.
"When they play in Athlone, it takes a bit of their advantage away. But I think was very, very good game, very, very competitive. I’ve got to give credit to our side, they were on form and did very well,” Khenyeza added.