As their early-season trajectory came to a halt, the Golden Arrows story of the 2023-2024 season has already provided plenty of commentary, conversation, and all-around drama both on and off the pitch.
A team that was once regarded as one of the most exciting and competitive in the Premier League now appears to be a shadow of its former self.
After nine matches, the Durban-based outfit led the chasing pack with resounding performances in attack and defense, which drew the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to a few of their players.
However, Arrows’ last win in all competitions came in October at home against Kaizer Chiefs.
Coach Mabhuti Khenyeza and his team have gone on a five-match losing streak since then.
The Arrows are now two games away from matching the club’s worst losing streak, a seven-game skid in 2014. Their recent poor form has also resulted in their elimination from the Carling Knockout Cup, as well as a drop to seventh in the DStv Premiership, just three points behind 12th-placed Royal AM.
Arrows’ chances of ending their dismal run of performances do not improve as they face a Pirates side with their tails up on Sunday at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale (3pm kick-off).
The Buccaneers have seemingly shaken off their own wobble, winning four of their last five league matches and drawing the other, while keeping five clean sheets – making them possibly the worst team to be tussling with right now.
Thembinkosi will also return to the Soweto giants.
Lorch, who has served his in-club suspension, suggests that the Arrows may be in for another nightmare encounter if they do not regain control soon.
However, a squad lacking in confidence, goals, and defensive leaders has been left scrambling for morale ahead of the Pirates clash.
The Mpumalanga Stadium will need to be packed if the home side is to rediscover their ability to score goals, which has been a trademark of Abafana Bes’thende since the start of the season.
Arrows have only scored one goal in their last six games across all competitions.
10 points, a significant drop from a team that had scored in eight of the previous ten games. Many eyes will be on club captain Nduduzo Sibiya, experienced head Knox Mutizwa, and former Pirates man Tebogo Tlolane to rekindle the attacking spark – and what a story it would be to end a poor run against yet another Soweto side.