Mngqithi remains calm amid Arrows' relegation worries

GOLDEN Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has played down fears of relegation, despite his side edging closer to the drop zone following a 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates on Tuesday night.

- SMISO MSOMI

The defeat at Moses Mabhida Stadium leaves Abafana Bes’thende just three points above the relegation playoff position with six games left in their league campaign.

Goals from Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshegofatso Mabasa were enough to secure all three points for the visiting Buccaneers. While the loss adds pressure to Arrows’ survival hopes, Mngqithi insists the performance did not reflect the result.

"I'd say it’s a bit unfortunate because in the last six matches, I think the only match where a draw would've been a fair result was against Stellenbosch," said Mngqithi after the match.

"I honestly feel we should’ve won all the others.”

Arrows, who once flirted with a Top 8 finish earlier in the season, have now seen their form collapse, with a string of defeats that has dragged them into the relegation dogfight.