Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen says he was ‘proud’ of his side’s performance following their 3-1 victory over Maritzburg United in the Nedbank Cup.

Abafana Bes’thende recently booked their place in the round of 16 of the competition after beating the Team of Choice at the Princess Magogo Stadium.

They progressed to the next round through goals by Sibusiso Sibeko, Lerato Lamola, and Kudakwashe Mahachi, while Lebohang Maboe scored Maritzburgs only goal of the match.

The 46-year-old coach has hailed Abafana Bes’thende displays and he believes his side showed real purpose and intensity to advance in the competition.

‘We are very proud of our team after such a good display taking into consideration all the injuries we currently have. We played with purpose and intensity and our pressing game was really impressive,’ Larsen told the Golden Arrows website.

‘The players deserve credit for buying into our methodology and executing our game plan so well. We put a lot of time into our set plays so it’s good to see it paying dividends.’

Meanwhile, Larsen also reserved special praise for the youth players in the squad and he believes they are starting to show some real ‘potential’.

‘Finally, I have to mention the fact that we had 4 under 23’s in our starting eleven as well as all 6 infield players on the bench. our youth are starting to show their worth and potential which is great for the club,’ He added.

Golden Arrows will next welcome Highlands Park to the Chatsworth Stadium when the two side’s meet in the Absa Premiership on April 1.

Kick-off has been set for 15:00.