Khenyeza can win Carling Knockout, professes Ngubane

Mlungisi “Professor” Ngubane is confident that Mabhuti Khenyeza is on the verge of leading Golden Arrows to their first trophy since 2009.

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Khenyeza, one of the young coaches in local football, made it look easy as he guided Arrows to the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup, securing a 3-1 victory over Cape Town City in the first round.

This time, Arrows are up against their city rivals, AmaZulu FC, in one of the double-header matches taking place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The other match sees Richards Bay hosting Orlando Pirates, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30pm. Arrows and AmaZulu are set for a 7pm kickoff. 

Ngubane is convinced that Khenyeza has what it takes to make history by winning Arrows their second-ever trophy, and he’s looking forward to an exciting journey ahead.

“Mabhuti knows his job. If you look, the Arrows players are working hard,” said the former Durban Bush Bucks star. 

“You can see a Golden Arrows player when they have the ball, that he knows where he is going to pass or what to do with it. They are well drilled. 

“You can see that these players are hungry for something, they want to achieve something. Mabhuti has made them believe they can achieve things,” added Ngubane. 

Khenyeza left to ride solo

A few months back, Khenyeza took over the reins at Arrows after Vusumuzi Vilakazi suddenly stepped down. 

Vilakazi has since joined Chippa United, working alongside Morgan Mammila after leaving the Durban club.

Surprisingly, things have stayed pretty consistent for Arrows even after Vilakazi’s departure, with the team holding onto their second place position in the DStv Premiership.

Arrows’ last taste of victory in a cup competition was the MTN 8 back in 2009 when they were under the guidance of Manqoba Mngqithi, who is now with Mamelodi Sundowns.

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Known as “Abafana Bes’thende” in local football circles, Arrows are currently on a good run, and Usuthu will need to be at their absolute best this Saturday to outperform Khenyeza’s side.