Manqoba Mngqithi To Lead Carling Black Label Cup All-Stars Against Orlando Pirates

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has been appointed to lead the Carling Black Label Cup All-Stars in their clash against Orlando Pirates. Mngqithi emerged victorious over a star-studded field that included Mamelodi Sundowns’ Miguel Cardoso and Stellenbosch’s Steve Barker. The final will take place on 13 December at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Mngqithi secured 20,259 votes to claim the position, giving him the opportunity to manage a yet-to-be-named All-Stars starting line-up. Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who was also nominated, became ineligible to lead the All-Stars after his team won the Carling Knockout, meaning he cannot face his own side.

Pirates enter the match in confident form, having recently won the Carling Knockout by defeating Marumo Gallants 1-0. Forward Oswin Appollis emphasized the team’s winning mentality, stating that Pirates will approach the All-Stars fixture with the same determination.

Despite Arrows’ recent struggles in the Premier Soccer League, Mngqithi expressed optimism about the progress his players are making. Abafana Bes’thende have lost their last four games across competitions, including a semi-final defeat to Marumo Gallants. Mngqithi highlighted the improvement in offensive play and the development of young players, noting that the team has scored 26 goals in 17 matches this term compared to 21 goals in 30 games last season.

The former Sundowns mentor acknowledged that defensive lapses and individual errors have contributed to disappointing results, but he remains focused on addressing these areas. “You know football is the game of results that determines the fate of the club. It is easy to look at the last four games and say, ‘We didn’t do well’. But if you look at those games, you will see positives,” he said.

The All-Stars concept allows fans to vote for the squad, adding excitement and unpredictability to the fixture. Mngqithi now has the challenge of shaping a competitive team from a mix of players, while Pirates will aim to continue their strong form and lift the trophy in Durban.