Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Steve Komphela’s previous stint at Golden Arrows could give his current team special insights into the KZN side. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers
The anticipation is palpable as Golden Arrows prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns in a Premiership clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville today (5.45pm kick-off).
The KZN side are determined to break free from a disheartening five-year winless streak against the defending champions, a challenge that not only tests their resolve, but could reshape the trajectory of the league title race.
It has been over five years since Arrows last tasted victory against Sundowns, a high-octane match on November 10, 2019, when Knox Mutizwa’s brace, along with a Danisa Phiri strike, secured a thrilling 3-2 win.
𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙚 𝙏𝙤 𝘾𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙤𝙥 - 𝙆𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙪 𝘾𝙪𝙥𝙞𝙙𝙤 𝙄𝙨 𝙖 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙖 ✍
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) January 29, 2025
Bafana Bafana international defender Keanu Cupido has joined The Brazilians on a long-term deal! 👆
Drop a 💛 to welcome our latest addition! #Sundowns #WelcomeCupido pic.twitter.com/KfOFYhJZOu
Since then, the Lamontville-based team have endured eight losses and five draws against the Brazilians, the most painful of which was a humiliating 5-0 defeat last season.
Things have changed since that last encounter, and now at the helm of the Sundowns’ dug-out as an assistant is none other than Steve Komphela, who previously managed Arrows.
Komphela’s dual role will see him working alongside head coach Miguel Cardoso to formulate strategies that could stymie his former charges, applying insights from his tenure at Arrows to exploit any weaknesses in their defences.
For Abafana Bes’thende, the stakes are considerable. Recently, they were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by Chippa United in a 2-1 loss, which only amplifies the importance of the upcoming clash against Sundowns.
With current interim coaches Musa Bilankulu and Kagisho Dikgacoi steering the team, Arrows are setting their sights not just on securing a positive result, but also on finishing as high as possible in the league standings.
🚨VENUE CHANGE🚨 Our Sunday showdown with @Masandawana will now be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium at 17h45. Don’t miss it! #SthendeWay #10betGoldenArrows #GreenAndGold pic.twitter.com/cejxPbck0w
— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) January 28, 2025
Currently sitting on 19 points and only six points behind Polokwane City, who occupy third place, Arrows are keenly aware that a famous victory could vault them into contention for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, and significantly shake up the title race.
On the other side, Sundowns are hitting their stride, riding high on a seven-game winning streak during which they have netted 14 goals, while conceding just once.
The recently revamped squad, which now includes new signings such as centre-backs Keanu Cupido and Uruguayan Lucas Suarez, along with midfielder Jayden Adams, reflects a resurgence in ambition following the dismissal of previous head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
The Brazilians are set to assert their dominance once again as they chase an elusive eighth consecutive league title.
As the match draws nearer, the anticipation builds not only for the players on the pitch, but also for fans who expect a showdown of remarkable intensity and skill.
For Arrows, this could be a defining moment that restores confidence and reignites hopes of an enthralling second half of the season, while for Sundowns, the focus remains on continuing their successful run in the league.