Manqoba Mngqithi’s Arrows chase momentum as Galaxy eye another cup upset

The stakes are high for this Sunday’s quarterfinal in the Carling Knockout Cup as Lamontville Golden Arrows host TS Galaxy at the King Zwelithini Stadium at 3pm. 

For the KwaZulu-Natal side, the home draw offers a golden opportunity to fire their campaign deep into the knockout stages. For Galaxy, it’s a chance to upset the hosts and progress to the semi-finals in style.

Golden Arrows head into this clash with growing confidence, having shown encouraging form in recent weeks. 

Their attacking rhythm has started to click under coach Manqoba Mngqithi, whose side has found a balance between youthful energy and tactical structure. 

The coach has emphasised the importance of consistency, with his players now showing better composure in crucial moments.

TS Galaxy, meanwhile, have also shown resilience in cup competition. Their ability to grind out results, even in tight matches, has become a trademark of Adnan Beganovic's side. 

Compact, disciplined, and quick on the counter, Galaxy have the structure to frustrate opponents and the quality up front to punish mistakes.

Historically, Galaxy have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture. In their last 11 meetings, they have recorded five wins to Arrows’ one, with the remaining five ending in draws. 

That record gives Galaxy a psychological edge heading into the clash, but playing away in front of a passionate KwaZulu-Natal crowd presents a far sterner test. 

Arrows will draw strength from their home surroundings, where their pressing game and direct transitions often flourish.

Mngqithi is expected to stick with the core of the side that has impressed in recent matches, with Ayabulela Maxwele and Jerome Karelse likely to lead the attack. 

Their pace and movement could prove decisive against a Galaxy side that prefers to sit compact and hit on the break. 

For Galaxy, the experienced Mpho Mvelase will be central once again, supported by a midfield built to frustrate and counter quickly when space opens.

Both teams come into the tie in decent form, and the tactical battle between Mngqithi and Beganovic promises to be intriguing. 

Arrows will want to assert control through possession and tempo, while Galaxy will rely on organisation and sharp transitions to unsettle the hosts.

For Arrows, Sunday’s clash is more than just a quarterfinal — it’s an opportunity to solidify their resurgence and chase tangible success under Mngqithi. 

For Galaxy, it’s another chance to underline their growing reputation as cup specialists.

With the semi-finals on the horizon, the King Zwelithini Stadium will play host to a fiercely contested encounter that could go either way, as both sides aim to keep their Carling Knockout Cup dreams alive.