Manqoba Mngqithi on his Golden Arrows conceding five goals against Orlando Pirates: It's not not easy playing at Orlando Stadium against Pirates

Manqoba Mngqithi responds to talk that they gave away the game against Orlando Pirates last Tuesday when they were thumped 5-0.

This is in comparison to how Golden Arrows played against both Pirates and Sundowns.

Arrows lost 2-1 to the Brazilians earlier last month and the 5-0 drubbing made many wonder why such an avalanche of goals yet against Sundowns they managed to hold off the defending Betway Premiership champions.

Mngqithi responds.

“You’re talking about the fight that we put against Sundowns? The biggest challenge we had, even against Sundowns – I don’t think we started the game well, I think first half they dominated the game so much,” he said when asked why they capitulated in Orlando compared to the display at Loftus Versfeld.

"We only become stronger in the second half and pushed them. But here when you concede early and concede from situations that you have worked on – I know it gets in the heads of the players where they say ‘eish, we have disappointed’. And the focus is no longer where you want it to be.”

“But you must also give credit to Pirates, they showed so much hunger, they ran a lot, even the game we played at home in Durban, the game was 50/50 up until the latter stages of the game, but they really imposed themselves here,” he continued.

“I think our younger players, really felt the stress you can feel in this stadium, it’s not an easy stadium for younger players, I don’t know why – maybe there are some graves here somewhere, but it’s not an easy stadium for young players, I can tell you that.

“I was excited about these young players, because I’m all about their growth and development but the reality is Pirates were really strong and really wanted this game.”