Mngqithi Backs Young Arrows Skipper For PSL Defender Of The Season
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes his young captain, Ayanda Jiyane, has a strong case for a PSL Defender of the Season nomination after missing just two matches the entire campaign.
Jiyane, who was handed the captain’s armband at the start of the season, has thrived under the leadership role despite his tender age.
The 23-year-old joined Abafana Bes’thende from Royal AM in April last season and has quickly become the most-used player at the Durban club this term.
The durable defender has racked up 2,432 minutes of Betway Premiership action, making 31 appearances across all competitions.
Remarkably, Jiyane has played more domestic minutes than any defender at Mamelodi Sundowns (excluding CAF Champions League fixtures), who are currently locked in a fierce league title battle with Orlando Pirates.
The Defender of the Season Contenders
Jiyane faces stiff competition for the prestigious award. His primary rivals for the nomination include:
- Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates): The Bucs defender has been outstanding for the Soweto Giants, playing 2,250 minutes and chipping in with crucial, stunning goals.
- Mfanafuthi Mkhize & Sphamandla Ncanana (Durban City): The formidable Durban City defensive duo have clocked 2,495 and 2,310 minutes respectively. The pair recently anchored their side to a historic maiden Nedbank Cup title after defeating TS Galaxy at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The winner will look to succeed Orlando Pirates’ Nkosinathi Sibisi, who claims the title of reigning PSL Defender of the Season.
“Very Consistent” — Mngqithi’s Verdict
Speaking to Sportswire after a thrilling 1-1 Durban Derby draw against AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday night, Mngqithi praised his young leader’s resilience.
“I think he has been very good and very consistent,” said Mngqithi.
“I think he has only missed one game because of the injury. He always gives a very good account of himself, and we are happy with the progress that he has made this season.
“I will be looking at him as one of the defenders of the season nominees. But it is very difficult when the team has conceded so many goals.”
As Mngqithi lamented, defensive fragility remains Arrows’ Achilles’ heel.
The Durban side has conceded 32 goals while scoring 31, leaving them with a negative one-goal difference that could hamper Jiyane’s award prospects.
If Jiyane is nominated, he will be the first Golden Arrows player since Sibisi himself was nominated while playing for Arrows in the 2020/21 season before his high-profile transfer to Orlando Pirates.
