Arrows Target a Top 8 Finish
Golden Arrows co-coach Musa Bilankulu is aiming for a top-eight finish in the Betway Premiership after missing out on league cup victories.
The 2009 MTN 8 champions were eliminated in the first round of both the Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup, and they are currently positioned eighth in the league with 19 points from 14 matches.
Last weekend, they suffered a 4-0 defeat against league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but this setback has not deterred Bilankulu from his goal of securing a top-eight finish.
“We may have faltered in the cup competitions, but I am confident that finishing in the top 8 is now our focus,” Bilankulu stated.
“I believe we can achieve that based on our performances so far; we just need to maintain consistency in our games and capitalize on our scoring opportunities.
“I’m convinced we can make it to the top 8. Considering we are still in the first half of the season, we will strive for more points in the upcoming matches.”
Additionally, the former Arrows captain remarked that he and co-coach Kagisho Dikgacoi are gaining valuable experience from every match, particularly the recent one against Sundowns.
“I wouldn’t call it a beating, as they didn’t penetrate our defensive structure for their goals,” Bilankulu explained.
“We created the opportunities for them. The first goal came when we failed to press, resulting in a penalty. The second goal saw a runner getting by us, and for the third goal, we should have cleared the ball. None of their goals came from outright domination; when they attacked, they didn’t threaten us significantly.”
“In response to your question about being young, I agree; every game teaches us something, and I believe we are learning important lessons.”
“These types of matches also serve as valuable lessons for players. Competing against quality teams requires attention to detail to foster player development. I think we, as coaches, will also grow by navigating these situations.”