Golden Arrows kicked off a new era with returning coach Mandla Ncikazi in spectacular style, defeating Chippa United 4-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

This decisive win made Arrows the first team to reach the last eight, offering a significant uplift after a challenging streak in the league.

Arrows showcased their intent right from the start, scoring in the 11th minute with Junior Dion heading in from a corner. They extended their lead just 11 minutes later when Dion assisted Sabelo Sithole, who finished coolly to make it 2-0.

Chippa United struggled to respond as Arrows kept up their offensive pressure and defended solidly. The visitors found it tough to generate clear chances, and their efforts to threaten Arrows' goal were ineffective.

Even as Chippa sought to recover in the second half, Arrows maintained their threat. The hosts stayed organized defensively, limiting their opponents' chances to score.

In the final moments of the match, Arrows added two more goals from substitutes Nhlanhla Zwane and Jerome Karelse, wrapping up a convincing 4-0 triumph.

This strong performance marked a promising start for Ncikazi during his third tenure with the club. Though he watched from the stands, assistant coach Ashley Makhanya led the team on the bench, ensuring they delivered the necessary performance to advance.

Ncikazi recently returned to Arrows after a five-year stint as an assistant at Orlando Pirates, taking over from Pitso Dladla who had overseen a disappointing run of five winless matches.

The resounding victory boosts Arrows' confidence as they look forward to the next round of the competition, while Chippa United's heavy loss brings their Carling Knockout journey to a close.

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