Pitso Dladla backs Arrows players to chase Bafana ambitions

He says the ambition to reach the national team is something the club actively supports, as it creates an opportunity for both the player and Arrows to grow.

Ronaldo Van Neel has already taken that step, earning a place in Pitso Mosimane’s preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Dladla also believes all his players should continue pushing for that level.

Van Neel arrived at Golden Arrows from Hungry Lions after making a strong impression in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The striker finished last season as the competition’s leading scorer with 13 goals.

His start at Arrows has been more about adapting to a new level. 

Dladla, however, believes there is enough quality in the young attacker to suggest that his contribution will grow as he becomes more comfortable in the team.

"That is why it's good to have a national team coach who is local because I can tell you that coach Pitso and his technical team are not seeing Ronaldo Van Neel here at Arrows," said Dladla. 

READ: Khalil Ben Youssef backs Brooklyn Poggenpoel for Bafana regular role

"I'm sure if you talk to them, they will tell you they know him and that they have been following him. But for us as a team, we know what Ronaldo is capable of. He is still settling in; he hasn't adapted fully. I promise you once he acclimatises, you will see more of him, but it's pleasing to see him in the national team. We've got so many talented players, to be honest with you."

Since taking charge of Abafana Bes’thende, Dladla has overseen a run that has included notable victories over Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8, as well as a league win against Stellenbosch. 

Arrows also remained unbeaten in their opening six league matches, collecting one victory and five draws before their defeat to Sundowns on 6 September.

The coach has been encouraged by the attitude and competitiveness shown by his players, particularly against some of the bigger clubs. But after making a strong start, Dladla says the challenge now is to reproduce those performances regularly and turn positive displays into more victories.

Dladla says attractive football and strong performances will mean little if Golden Arrows cannot convert them into points.

Their defensive organisation has been one of the encouraging aspects of the campaign, with Arrows conceding just two goals across those first six league matches. 

Dladla now wants greater efficiency in front of goal, insisting that the team must find a way to turn its hard work and disciplined performances into more wins.