DailySun
Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Manqoba Mngqithi, has conveyed his aspiration to join Golden Arrows, a club that holds significant personal value for him.
Mngqithi appreciates Arrows for granting him a vital opportunity during a pivotal phase of his career. The club’s faith in his leadership skills led to remarkable achievements.
Upon assuming the role of Arrows’ head coach in January 2007, Mngqithi took over a team that was struggling at the bottom of the league. He swiftly brought stability, achieving his first win against Thanda Royal Zulu in his inaugural match.
During his tenure, Arrows recorded seven victories out of the 14 matches he oversaw, including significant wins over Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits. The team’s strong finish, highlighted by wins against Jomo Cosmos and Benoni Premier United, allowed them to conclude the season in 12th place.
The subsequent seasons showcased further progress, with Arrows finishing ninth and then fifth. In the 2009/10 season, after a top-eight finish the previous year, something extraordinary unfolded under Mngqithi’s guidance. They celebrated a stunning 6-0 victory against Ajax Cape Town in the MTN8 final at Orlando Stadium, delighting fans with a vibrant style of play that left the Cape Town side in disbelief.
This remains the highest margin of victory recorded in a domestic cup final in the PSL to date.
“I will always be ready to support Arrows throughout my life, as I hold a profound sense of gratitude toward that club for shaping my identity,” Mngqithi stated on MSW with Robert Marawa following his recent exit from Mamelodi Sundowns.
“They took a chance on me when no other club in South Africa would. When the team was in 16th place with only 12 points from 15 matches, they said, ‘We want you to be our head coach because we believe you can turn things around.’
“That trust is a treasure I will forever hold dear, as no one would risk R15 million status (at that time) by appointing a coach without PSL experience.
“After serving as an assistant coach for about a year and a half, they offered me an opportunity for which I will always be thankful. I’m open to assisting whenever possible, but I also need to assess the project presented to me.”
When inquired about potential interest from Arrows, Mngqithi remained reserved, stating, “I wouldn’t want to reveal what’s happening at the moment.”
Meanwhile, Golden Arrows, currently positioned sixth in the league, have recently parted ways with co-coach Mabhuti Khenyeza due to concerns regarding interference in his role.
