Mngqithi Assures Madlala Of His Commitment
Returning to Lamontville Golden Arrows, coach Manqoba Mngqithi has reassured club chairperson Mato Madlala that he will dedicate his utmost effort, allowing her to rest easy.
Mngqithi’s reappointment came last week as the Durban-based side grapples with a slump, having gone winless in their last five matches across all competitions. The club currently sits precariously above the relegation zone with 21 points from 17 games, lying 11th in the table.
His first match back in charge was a draw against his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns, on Wednesday. Mngqithi revealed he had only conducted two training sessions with the players before the match. Nevertheless, this was sufficient to secure a point and halt the formidable Sundowns team, a squad he played a significant role in assembling before departing in December to be replaced by Miguel Cardoso.
“The difference between where I was and where I am now is that Sisi Mato understands me better than almost anyone,” Mngqithi stated.
“Our relationship is beyond the boss and the coach. Even when I was at Sundowns, I was helping where I can help.
“So, the relationship is not about where do you want go, it’s about making this team better. She knows she can sleep comfortable and be wherever she is because I like what I’m doing and I enjoy my job.
“I’m full custodian of her club. She knows there is nothing to doubt when I’m here because I’m going to give my best. My best is generally enough.”
Mngqithi, now in his third stint with Arrows, was initially appointed in January 2007 when the club was battling relegation. He successfully steered the team to a 12th-place finish in the 2006/07 season.
In his first full season, Arrows narrowly missed out on a top-eight finish, settling for ninth place. The team’s performance improved in the 2008/09 season, securing a fifth-place finish and qualifying for the MTN8.
Arrows then achieved a stunning victory in the MTN8, defeating Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs) 6-0 at Orlando Stadium. This remains the largest margin of victory in a domestic cup final in the PSL era, and Arrows’ only major trophy to date.
In recent years, their cup performances have been disappointing. Whether Mngqithi can replicate his initial success, unlike his second spell, remains to be seen.
