Arrows Release Five Players Amidst Squad Overhaul

Golden Arrows have begun their squad overhaul ahead of the new season, parting ways with five players, with more departures expected.

The club’s actions come after a challenging previous campaign where they narrowly avoided relegation.

The players who have currently been released by Arrows are Kagiso Malinga, Sifiso Mlungwana, Nkosi Gumede, Ryan Moon, and Puleng Tlolane. Under coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who joined in March after his release from Mamelodi Sundowns last December, Arrows finished 12th last season with 31 points from 28 matches.

According to Sportswire sources, further player releases are anticipated before pre-season training resumes, as the club aims to strengthen its squad.

Player Profiles and Departures

Moon, who previously played for Maritzburg United, is reportedly linked with a move to Arrows’ city rivals, AmaZulu. The 28-year-old striker, who also had stints at Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch, joined Arrows before the 2022/23 season. Moon leaves the club with a record of 10 goals and five assists in 59 appearances across all competitions.

Sifiso Mlungwana, a product of the Arrows academy and a former rugby player in high school, was promoted to the senior team in 2019. The goalkeeper featured in 84 matches across all competitions for the club.

Gumede has spent the majority of his career at Arrows, even dating back to when current assistant coach Musa Bilankulu was in his first playing stint at the club. The 31-year-old, who has been with the senior team since 2011, was the longest-serving member of the club. He made 132 appearances but did not record a clean sheet during his time as a goalkeeper.

Striker Malinga, who joined Arrows in the second half of the 2023/24 season from the disgraceful Moroka Swallows, is departing after scoring just one goal in 21 matches.

Tlolane, 30, initially joined Arrows on loan from Orlando Pirates before his move was made permanent in 2023. He also leaves the club, having scored one goal in 17 appearances.