No margin for error as Golden Arrows aim to edge clear of drop zone against Sekhukhune United
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi gives out instructions to defender and captain Gladwin Shitolo at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Golden Arrows will be looking to make home advantage count when they welcome Sekhukhune United to the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Saturday in a decisive Premiership clash.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm in what will be the last fixture of the season for Babina Noko, while Arrows still have to navigate an outstanding 45 minutes against SuperSport United.
For Arrows, this is a chance to potentially secure their Premiership status before finishing off that tricky encounter against Matsatsantsa.
The Durban-based club currently sit in 13th position with 27 points, just one clear of Cape Town City in the relegation playoff spot.
A win against Sekhukhune could be enough to confirm their safety, even if City collect all three points in their clash with Stellenbosch FC in the Cape derby.
To the Mighty Gold and Green Army! The moment has arrived for our last home game of the season against Sekhukhune United! Let your passion ignite Princess Magogo Stadium! Come in your numbers, bring the noise!#SthendeWay #10betGoldenArrows pic.twitter.com/U0vah9MQlj — Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) May 23, 2025
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The margins are fine and the pressure is real, but Arrows will know that collecting three points at home might ease their relegation concerns significantly.
Under coach Manqoba Mngqithi, Arrows have taken on a more structured and possession-focused approach since his arrival earlier this year.
While the philosophy has brought some stability in phases, results have been inconsistent.
Their home form remains underwhelming – with just three wins from 13 matches at Princess Magogo this season, accompanied by five draws and five defeats.
Goals have been hard to come by, and the defensive lapses have not helped either.
Saturday's clash comes with its own level of difficulty, as Sekhukhune are among the better-performing sides this campaign.
The Limpopo based outfit are sitting fourth on the log with 46 points from 27 matches, and a strong finish could see them qualify for next season's CAF Confederation Cup – especially if Stellenbosch stumble.
1 - Keletso Makgalwa has won his first Player of the Month award, and is the third player from Sekhukhune United to do so after Andy Boyeli & Linda Mntambo. Honoured. pic.twitter.com/AjHPQlqkZL — OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) May 14, 2025
Eric Tinkler's men are unbeaten in their last five matches, a run that includes two wins and three draws.
Their most recent outing was a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs, a match in which they showed both resilience and organisation.
This consistency has been a key factor in their rise up the table, and they will be looking to maintain that level heading into the final week of the season.
Sekhukhune also won the reverse fixture 2-0, which will give them confidence heading into the return match.
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