Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has made a bold prediction about the Betway Premiership title race following the conclusion of the first round of the season.
Mngqithi believes that several teams are still playing below par football and have been fortunate to pick up results despite inconsistent performances. He foresees a period of instability ahead, with many sides likely to struggle for consistency as the season progresses.
According to the experienced coach, the overall standard of football this season is not as high as it is often perceived to be.
He admitted that many teams, including Golden Arrows themselves, still have significant room for improvement.
Mngqithi is confident that the league standings will look very different by the end of the second round. He predicts major changes on the table and suggests that the eventual champions could finish the season with a points gap of between six and nine points over their closest challengers.
“I don’t think this league is going to be decided on the last day. I think there are a lot of people that are playing bad football that are still fortunate,” said Mngqithi.
“I honestly don’t think this league is as difficult as people think.
“But, I don’t want to say much, but the reality in my opinion, I think we still have a lot to improve on, in this league, my team included.
“I honestly think the football this season has not been at a level that the spectators think it is. That is why I still expect big surprises in the league and wait and see that.
“I still see the results that no one anticipates in the second round. I foresee results that are going to be very inconsistent and that will change the face of the front four probably every weekend.
“But, at a certain point when it settles down, I still see a six, nine point gap somewhere there.”