Mngqithi Aims To Develop And Nurture Talent At Arrows
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi expresses his satisfaction in developing players, a practice he enjoyed during his first tenure with the club.
His time at Mamelodi Sundowns, spanning over ten years, demanded immediate impact from high-caliber signings, as the club consistently aimed to win major domestic and international competitions. This pressure contributed to his nine league titles with the African giants before their parting in December, following an underwhelming start to the season.
Prior to his Sundowns stint, Mngqithi nurtured numerous talented players at Golden Arrows in KwaZulu-Natal. This period culminated in a decisive MTN8 title victory over Ajax Cape Town in the 2009/10 season.
Players such as Siyabonga Sangweni, Siyanda Zwane, Mzuvukile Tom, the late Richard Hanyekane and Joseph Hanyekane, Nhlanhla Zothwane, Thokozani Mshengu, Philani Shange, Thanduyise Khuboni, and Njabulo Manqana flourished under his guidance. Many of these players went on to represent prominent PSL clubs and Bafana Bafana in the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Returning to Arrows, Mngqithi is tasked with a similar role: nurturing talent and providing hope to aspiring players. This aligns perfectly with his personal preference.
“If I can be honest with you, I think I like the environment where I nurture more than the environment where something is ready,” admitted.
“My life’s story is like that. I’m that guy who likes to see things growing, that’s why family is close to me. I don’t know how many trees I have planted in my life; I’m that type of a coach who likes to develop something and make it better.
“So, when I’m in an environment like this, it feels me with excitement because I know these young boys now can realise something of their dreams because they are so good that somebody else will start thinking about our players and maybe that will make our club to be the picture of everyone else.”
Golden Arrows, after a loss to Magesi before the FIFA international break, will host Kaizer Chiefs in a Betway Premiership match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday at 15:30.
