The convincing victory marked an encouraging beginning to Mandla Ncikazi’s second spell at the Durban club, although he watched the match from the stands following his return as head coach. Assistant coach Ashley Makhanya led the team from the bench.
Dion and Sithole put Arrows in control
Golden Arrows started aggressively and took the lead in the 11th minute when Sede Junior Dion rose to head home a Philani Khumalo delivery from a corner.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute. Dion turned provider, setting up Sabelo Sithole, who finished calmly into the bottom-left corner after a swift attacking move.
Arrows continued to threaten, using their pace to stretch the Chippa defence, but they went into half-time with a two-goal lead.
Late goals seal emphatic victory
Chippa attempted to respond after the break, introducing three substitutes at half-time in search of a way back into the contest.
However, the visitors struggled to convert their opportunities. Sirgio Kammies missed a promising chance, while goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi denied Chippa further opportunities to reduce the deficit.
Arrows made the result safe in the 83rd minute when substitute Nhlanhla Zwane ran on to Ayabulela Maxwele’s through ball, rounded the goalkeeper and finished into an empty net.
Jerome Karelse then completed the rout in the 85th minute, curling a superb right-footed effort into the top corner to make it 4-0.
The result sent Arrows into the last eight and ended their five-match winless run, giving the club a timely boost following the coaching change.
Pressure mounts on Chippa United
The defeat represents a disappointing start to Chippa United’s Carling Knockout campaign and raises further questions about their domestic form.
Coach Brandon Truter’s position could come under increased scrutiny after a difficult run of results. Before the match, Chippa had recorded just one win, five draws and two defeats in eight Betway Premiership fixtures, according to FARPost.
For Arrows, attention now turns to the quarter-finals as they attempt to win the Carling Knockout for the first time in their history.
Siwelele advance after penalty shootout
In Saturday’s other Carling Knockout fixture, Siwelele FC defeated Polokwane City 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw through 120 minutes at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Polokwane created several opportunities, including a shot that struck the woodwork, but could not find a breakthrough.
Siwelele were reduced to 10 players late in extra time when Aphiwe Baliti received a second yellow card in the 107th minute. Nevertheless, they held on and prevailed in the shootout to join Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals.
Match summary
• Golden Arrows: Sede Junior Dion 11', Sabelo Sithole 22', Nhlanhla Zwane 83', Jerome Karelse 85'
• Final score: Golden Arrows 4-0 Chippa United
• Competition: Carling Knockout, Round of 16
• Venue: King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi, Durban
• Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026