sportskeeda
Former Mamelodi Sundowns manager, Manqoba Mngqithi, has expressed his interest in joining Golden Arrows, a club that holds deep personal significance for him.
Mngqithi recognizes the pivotal role Arrows played in his career by offering him a crucial opportunity when he needed it most. The club’s trust in his leadership led to remarkable outcomes.
When he took over as head coach of Arrows in January 2007, Mngqithi inherited a team that was floundering at the bottom of the league table. He quickly instilled stability, securing a victory against Thanda Royal Zulu in his first match in charge.
During his stint, Arrows triumphed in seven out of the 14 matches he managed, achieving notable wins against both Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits. Their strong finish, featuring victories against Jomo Cosmos and Benoni Premier United, helped them clinch a 12th-place finish in the league.
The following seasons demonstrated further advancements, with Arrows finishing ninth and then fifth in the standings. However, it was in the 2009/10 season—after a top-eight finish the previous year—that Mngqithi truly showcased his coaching magic. Under his guidance, they celebrated a stunning 6-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town in the MTN8 final at Orlando Stadium, thrilling fans with an exhilarating attacking style that left the Cape Town club bewildered.
This achievement is still regarded as the largest margin of victory in a domestic cup final in the PSL.
“I will always be ready to support Arrows throughout my life because I owe so much to that club, as it played a significant role in shaping my identity,” Mngqithi shared on MSW with Robert Marawa following his recent exit from Mamelodi Sundowns.
“They believed in me at a time when no other club in South Africa would. When the team was languishing in 16th place with just 12 points from 15 matches, they told me, ‘We want you as our head coach because we trust you can save us.’
“That trust is something I will forever appreciate, especially since appointing a coach without PSL experience at that time was a considerable risk to their R15 million status.
“Having previously served as an assistant coach for about a year and a half, they gave me a chance for which I am eternally grateful. I am open to helping whenever the right opportunity arises, though I need to evaluate the project offered to me.”
When asked about any potential interest from Arrows, Mngqithi chose to remain discreet, stating, “I prefer not to disclose what is currently taking place.”
Golden Arrows, positioned sixth in the league, recently parted ways with co-coach Mabhuti Khenyeza due to dissatisfaction with interference in his role.
