Arrows use KZN Premiers Cup as Litmus Test for the season ahead

Arrows use KZN Premiers Cup as Litmus Test for the season ahead

Golden Arrows assistant coach Kagisho Dikgacoi believes the 2025 KZN Premier’s Cup will provide a valuable opportunity to assess their squad’s readiness ahead of the new Betway Premiership season.

He says facing top-flight opposition is the perfect way to sharpen their competitive edge before the campaign begins.

Abafana Bes’thende will face AmaZulu in the semi-finals, in a tournament that features Richards Bay, Durban City, Milford FC, and Midlands Wanderers.

"This tournament is always exciting, and it serves as great preparation for us for what lies ahead. 

"After this tournament, we will be able to understand the team's state of readiness before the new season begins," said the former Arrows forward. 

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Dikgacoi says their objective is clear: they want to lift the Premier's Cup trophy.

The tournament is scheduled for the 27th and 28th of July at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay and will also serve as a platform for teams to fine-tune their strategies before the new top-flight season gets going.

"I've worked with him before as a coach, so I know how experienced and knowledgeable he is. He has achieved so much in this game, and it's good to see him back with us with that same winning mentality that is so infectious for the group," said Dikgacoi. 

After rejoining Golden Arrows in March following his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, head coach Manqoba Mngqithi guided the side to a 12th-place finish in the Betway Premiership.

Dikgacoi, who previously played under Mngqithi between 2005 and 2009, says working alongside the experienced tactician has been both motivating and educational.

Following news that SuperSport United has been sold and will rebrand as Siwelele FC, the former Bafana Bafana international has shared mixed emotions. 

"It’s always tough to see a club with a proud history sell their top-flight status, but I believe that the return of Premiership football to the Free State is a big win for the province.