LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi taunted Orlando Pirates ahead of their meeting at Moses Mabhida Stadium tonight, saying for as long as he's in charge, the defending champions must not win in Durban.
It is a bold stance that indicates Arrows don't want to be swatted aside as mere distractions, buzzing in the way of a tense title chase. It is also a refreshing change of attitude from the Muhsin Ertugral era, during which the Buccaneers were almost guaranteed victory whenever they played Arrows.
"I would love to see myself rekindling the history that I had with Pirates here because when I was still coaching Arrows, in all the years I was coach, Pirates never won here. Even when I was at AmaZulu, Pirates never won here, and if that can be the case, I will be happy."
Arrows bounced back from a 6-4 beating at Platinum Stars by sinking Ajax Cape Town 2-0 at the weekend. Mngqithi said they would mend their defensive frailties once they started pushing for a top-eight spot rather than paddling anxiously away from the drop zone.
Pirates will be motivated by the Arrows coach poking the beehive, but they must be wary not to be distracted from extending their nine-match unbeaten run and put more pressure on log leaders Kaizer Chiefs.
Bucs have steadily chipped away at Chiefs' lead at the top of the standings with their consistent displays and they got back on the winning track with their 2-1 victory over Maritzburg United last time out, after two draws.
Fit-again Benni McCarthy, whose double sealed the title in a 4-2 win here last season, will want to use this game to get back the feel of smashing the ball into the back of the net. The veteran striker has been pencilled into Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund's Africa Cup of Nations plans and will want to validate his inclusion. But he is not alone. Daine Klate, Senzo Meyiwa and Oupa Manyisa will go to this game with one eye on impressing Igesund. As this is the last game before the Christmas break, chances to fully convince the national team coach will be scarce.
Mngqithi dares Pirates
LAMONTVILLE Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi taunted Orlando Pirates ahead of their meeting at Moses Mabhida Stadium tonight, saying for as long as he's in charge, the defending champions must not win in Durban.
It is a bold stance that indicates Arrows don't want to be swatted aside as mere distractions, buzzing in the way of a tense title chase. It is also a refreshing change of attitude from the Muhsin Ertugral era, during which the Buccaneers were almost guaranteed victory whenever they played Arrows.
"I would love to see myself rekindling the history that I had with Pirates here because when I was still coaching Arrows, in all the years I was coach, Pirates never won here. Even when I was at AmaZulu, Pirates never won here, and if that can be the case, I will be happy."
Arrows bounced back from a 6-4 beating at Platinum Stars by sinking Ajax Cape Town 2-0 at the weekend. Mngqithi said they would mend their defensive frailties once they started pushing for a top-eight spot rather than paddling anxiously away from the drop zone.
Pirates will be motivated by the Arrows coach poking the beehive, but they must be wary not to be distracted from extending their nine-match unbeaten run and put more pressure on log leaders Kaizer Chiefs.
Bucs have steadily chipped away at Chiefs' lead at the top of the standings with their consistent displays and they got back on the winning track with their 2-1 victory over Maritzburg United last time out, after two draws.
Fit-again Benni McCarthy, whose double sealed the title in a 4-2 win here last season, will want to use this game to get back the feel of smashing the ball into the back of the net. The veteran striker has been pencilled into Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund's Africa Cup of Nations plans and will want to validate his inclusion. But he is not alone. Daine Klate, Senzo Meyiwa and Oupa Manyisa will go to this game with one eye on impressing Igesund. As this is the last game before the Christmas break, chances to fully convince the national team coach will be scarce.
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