Arrows Set The Tone for Nicikazi

Image cred: Goal.com/website

Lamontville Golden Arrows ran a riot of four goals to nil over Chippa United in the round of 16 clash on Saturday afternoon, making it the first team to progress to the quarterfinals of Carling Knockout Cup 2026/27 season campaign.

Watching from the stands, Coach Mandla Ncikazi was watching his upcoming troops setting the agenda, after Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed his exit during the course of the week.

Abafana Bes’thende ruthless marksman’s Junior Dion broke the deadlock on the 11th minute with a header from a cross of the left winger Pilani Khumani.

The lead was extended with an assist from Dion to Sabelo Sithole, doubling the striker’s goal contribution to two. Sithole displayed great composure to beat Stanley Nwabili, to mark his first goal of the season.

The Eastern Cape side was quite flat footed in the opening half, as they were unable to unleash any promising offensive threats until the interval.

Arrows’s second goal scorer Sithole turned into a menace in the right flank for Chippa’s defence, producing a couple of dangerous crosses yet his teammates were absent for conversion.

The Chilli Boys responded with a triple substitution at the start of the second half, introducing Azola Tshobeni, Justice Figuareido and Boy Madingwane with the belief that they will turn the tides.

The away team had to wait until the final 20 minutes for the subs to make an impact, when Figuareido combined with Kammies, skipping one challenge prior, firing shot that went inches over the crossbar.

The home troops sealed Chippa’s fate with seven minutes to spare when Nhlanha Zwane pound onto a ball over the top by Ayabulela Maxwele, on his attempt to successfully beat Nwabili, to get the third.

However, Mamelodi Sundowns product Jerome Karelse extended the lead with the fourth goal on 85th minutes, sending a spectacular finish into the top corner, securing their progress in the last eight.

The incoming coach Ncikazi will also be astonished with the manner his charges swept aside Chippa today, as he prepares to take on AmaZulu next weekend in his first game in charge.