Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has reached out to fans, encouraging them to keep faith in the club’s strategy despite recent challenges.

Arrows are preparing to host Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium for a Betway Premiership match on Tuesday [19:30]. Their aim is to break a two-match losing streak that has seen them drop to 14th place in the league standings.

Their latest defeat was a 3-0 loss to Stellenbosch FC over the weekend, with all goals coming from the second phase of set pieces.

Coach Mngqithi is focused on addressing this issue in training ahead of their clash with a Pirates team eager to secure points and narrow the gap with league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates achieved a 2-1 victory against Kaizer Chiefs in their league match at FNB Stadium on Saturday. However, Sundowns also won their subsequent game, further widening their lead in the title race.

Adding to Arrows’ difficulties, their loss to Stellenbosch FC marked their fourth consecutive league match without a victory since defeating Pirates’ rivals, Chiefs, at the same Durban venue in late March.

Pirates will also return to the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday for the Nedbank Cup final against Chiefs, looking to gain momentum with a favorable result against Arrows.

“I urge our supporters at Golden Arrows to come out in numbers and support us for this match,” Mngqithi said. “They need to believe in the process. While our recent results haven’t been ideal, they will see the team is progressing if they observe our performances.”

“I am highly optimistic that we will improve, starting with the match against Pirates. They just need to continue supporting us. I promise they will witness exceptional football.”

Arrows face a tough challenge, especially since their last encounter with Pirates ended in a heavy 7-1 defeat at Orlando Stadium last season.

This match was originally scheduled for February 19 at the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammersdale, KwaZulu-Natal, but was postponed due to poor weather that made the pitch unplayable.

Meanwhile, Arrows are actively recruiting players from the now-defunct Royal AM, with recent signings including goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo and defender Ayanda Mabutho, who has experience with both Royal AM and Nathi Lions.

The growing roster of players joining Arrows via free transfers from Royal AM, which lost its PSL membership following a takeover by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), includes Siphesihle Msomi, Shadrack Kobedi, Philani Sithebe, Sabelo Sithole, Ayabulela Maxwele, and Thabo Matlaba.