DURBAN – This could be a golden season for Golden Arrows after they marched into the Nedbank Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Platinum Stars in KwaMashu on Saturday.
Arrows ensured they would pocket at least R1 million as they advanced to within one game of the final.
Captain fantastic Musa Bilankulu made the difference with the only goal of the first half. The veteran defensive player, who was with Arrows when they won their only cup trophy – the MTN8 in 2009 – headed in from close range off Nduduzo Sibiya’s corner kick five minutes before the break.
That proved decisive and they staved off a late rally from the visitors to deserve a place in Monday’s draw for the semis.
For a young side that won promotion back to the PSL two seasons ago, this is a breathtaking campaign.
Arrows hold a comfortable top-eight spot in the league and in this cup, they upset African champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 away from home in the last round.
Until Bilankulu’s goal, it was a lively and balanced duel. Arrows enjoyed early half chances, but nothing that troubled goalkeeper Mbongeni Mzimela much.
The KwaZulu-Natal-born shot-stopper did well when his backline was breached in the 29th minute. Zimbabwean striker Knox Mutizwa had a one-on-one battle with Mzimela, and the goalkeeper won it, with his gloves smothering the attempt.
Mutizwa fell on the wrong side of the home crowd with that glaring miss, and it was little surprise that he made way early after the interval for striker Lerato Lamola.
Gerald Phiri of Platinum Stars (right) competes for possession with Kudakwashe Mahachi of Golden Arrows on Saturday. Photo: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix
Platinum came to the coast with a team that reflected two changes from their last outing, a 1-0 defeat at Polokwane City, and the consistency of selection was evident.
They were well drilled and kept the home defence busy. After all, they had already done the league double over the Durban team with 2-0 and 1-0 victories, and would have arrived confident of another win.
Were it not for goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede’s block of a shot from Robert Ng’ambi in the 17th minute, Arrows would have been a goal down.
Platinum’s main outlet was via Ryan de Jongh’s overlapping runs down the right flank. However, on the occasions he burst through, the danger was somehow averted by Bilankulu and company.
Besides leading the team and giving them the lead with his fourth career goal against Platinum, Bilankulu’s movements between defence and midfield kept Arrows steady.
And he needed to marshal his men to the best of his ability, especially with the side having four changes, including youngster Romario Dlamini at left back.
Dlamini was kept alert by De Jongh and even collected a yellow card, but overall put in a solid effort.