Former Mamelodi Sundowns manager, Manqoba Mngqithi, has shared his aspiration to join Golden Arrows, a club that holds immense personal value for him.
Mngqithi cherishes Arrows for providing him with a vital opportunity at a pivotal moment in his career. The club’s faith in his leadership skills resulted in notable achievements.
Upon taking the helm as Arrows’ head coach in January 2007, Mngqithi stepped into a team grappling at the lower tier of the league. He swiftly brought stability, celebrating his first win against Thanda Royal Zulu in his inaugural match.
During his tenure at the club, Arrows claimed seven victories out of the 14 matches he helmed, featuring significant triumphs over Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits. The team’s strong finish, highlighted by wins against Jomo Cosmos and Benoni Premier United, allowed them to end the season in 12th position.
The subsequent seasons showcased ongoing progress, with Arrows finishing ninth and then fifth in the league standings. The 2009/10 season brought something remarkable under Mngqithi’s leadership after securing a top-eight finish the previous year: a breathtaking 6-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town in the MTN8 final at Orlando Stadium, dazzling fans with an exhilarating playing style that took the Cape Town side by surprise.
This remains the largest victory margin recorded in a domestic cup final in the PSL history.
“I will always be ready to support Arrows during my lifetime because I feel a profound gratitude toward that club for shaping my identity,” Mngqithi expressed on MSW with Robert Marawa after his recent exit from Mamelodi Sundowns.
“They believed in me when no other team in South Africa would. At a time when the team was at the bottom of the league with just 12 points from 15 matches, they approached me, saying, ‘We want you as our head coach because we trust you can turn things around.’
“That confidence is something I will cherish forever, as no one would risk R15 million (at that time) by appointing a coach without PSL experience.
“Having spent about a year and a half as an assistant coach, they gave me an opportunity I will always be thankful for. I’m open to offering assistance whenever I can, but I also need to assess the project presented to me.”
When inquired about possible interest from Arrows, Mngqithi was non-committal, stating, “I wouldn’t want to reveal what’s currently occurring.”
Meanwhile, Golden Arrows, sitting sixth in the league, have recently parted ways with co-coach Mabhuti Khenyeza due to concerns related to interference in his role.
