Mngqithi Returns To Arrows

Lamontville Golden Arrows are reportedly set to bring back coach Manqoba Mngqithi, although it remains unclear whether he will assume the head coach position.

Sportswire sources indicate that Mngqithi was observed at Arrows’ training session on Monday.

Mngqithi is currently unattached after being dismissed by Mamelodi Sundowns in December of last year, where he served for over a decade in various capacities. He was appointed head coach at the start of the current season following Rulani Mokwena’s unexpected departure.

Despite this appointment, which Sundowns did not formally announce, Mngqithi’s tenure was marked by underwhelming performances and reported disagreements with senior players such as Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau. The situation deteriorated after a loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup in November, a result that displeased club management and intensified the pressure on him.

He is now poised to return to familiar territory at Arrows, where he previously held two coaching stints. His first tenure, from January 2007 to June 2010, was particularly successful. He guided Arrows to the MTN8 title in the 2009/10 season, their sole trophy to date, with a resounding 6-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town in the final – still the largest margin of victory in a domestic cup final in the PSL era. His second stint spanned from October 2012 to October 2013.

Mngqithi would be joining an Arrows side currently positioned 12th in the Betway Premiership table with 20 points after 16 matches, following a recent away loss to TS Galaxy. Abafana Bes’Thende are presently co-coached by Musa Bilankulu and Kagiso Dikgacoi, both of whom were coached by Mngqithi during his previous tenures at the club.