Siyanda Ndlovu shines again as Golden Arrows shoot down Orbit College

Siyanda Ndlovu again proved the difference for Golden Arrows as they secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Orbit College at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been in sparkling form, fresh from his man-of-the-match display against Mamelodi Sundowns in midweek. He carried that momentum into this clash, first creating the opener before finding the net himself with a stunning finish.

Ndlovu’s first contribution came inside four minutes when he combined with Ivorian forward Sede Dion, slipping a clever pass into the striker’s path. Dion did the rest, poking home from close range after Arrows had worked the ball patiently from the back.

It was his third goal in as many games, underlining his growing importance to Manqoba Mngqithi’s side. Eighteen minutes later, Ndlovu made his own mark on the scoresheet. Reacting quickly to a short free-kick from Philani Khumalo, he burst into space and unleashed a rocket into the top corner, giving the visiting goalkeeper no chance. It was a goal that highlighted his sharp instincts and technical quality.

Mngqithi had stuck with the same starting line-up that dismantled Sundowns, and his players responded with another dominant display. Arrows pressed high, moved the ball crisply, and controlled almost 60% of possession in the first half, ensuring Orbit rarely settled into their preferred rhythm.

The newcomers thought they had pulled one back when the ball was bundled home from a set-piece, but the assistant referee’s flag went up for offside. It was a tight call and left Orbit visibly frustrated.

Trailing 2-0 at half-time, the visitors had little choice but to chase the game. Arrows, however, remained compact and clinical. Mngqithi introduced Nduduzo Sibiya, Isaac Cisse, and veteran Thabo Matlaba to maintain tempo, while Orbit’s defensive problems continued to undermine their efforts.

The contest was put beyond doubt in the 72nd minute when substitute Jerome Karelse added a third. Once again, Ndlovu was involved, driving down the flank before firing in a low cross that Karelse coolly finished to cap a fine cameo.

For Orbit, the defeat was another harsh lesson in the unforgiving demands of Premiership football. Having lost to Richards Bay earlier in the week, their defensive lapses again proved costly. For Arrows, though, it was a second straight win that lifted confidence and suggested Mngqithi’s men are beginning to find their stride in the campaign.