Manqoba Mngqithi makes bold top 8 claim | OneFootball

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Mngqithi makes top eight prediction

Photo: Darren Stewart/ Gallo Images

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has made a bold top eight claim, with the business end of the 2025/26 campaign fast approaching.

Abafana Bes'thende currently sit 12th, three points above the Relegation/Promotion Playoff spot, having picked up 21 points in 19 league outings.

Despite one win in the last five Betway Premiership matches, Mngqithi is adamant his troops will secure a top eight finish come the end of the season.

“This team is very young, we are trying a lot of youngsters. I think in the team that played today [vs Sundowns] in the starting XI we probably had four players that were playing in the ABC Motsepe League last year if not five,” said the KZN-born mentor.

"And we've got a team that is probably moving from the average age of 34,33 - now we've taken the team down closer to 22. I'm still trying to make sure that I work on these boys, and I'm seeing a lot of growth and I never thought they could be where they are now.

"I see them standing a very good chance to finish in the top eight, I'm being honest, remember this day.

Pressed on whether he's open to changing his style of play to save face in the closing stages of the term, the Arrows boss says he will maintain his approach, citing the defensive improvement.

“No [I won't change my approach] because we've not conceded much this year. I think the team has improved so much defensively this year. I think we've played so many matches with clean sheets which is a sign of growth in the team,” Mngqithi added.

"Personally, I think the team has improved a lot defensively. We are coming from four games without conceding a goal [before Sundowns match] and that should be a sign that the team is moving towards the right direction.

Having been dumped out of the Nedbank Cup by provincial rivals Durban City last weekend, Arrows visit Marumo Gallants in a league encounter on Saturday, 14 March.