“Just Crossing The Road”: Why Dladla Sees Arrows Transition As Seamless
New Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Pitso Dladla says taking over at Abafana Bes’Thende will be a seamless transition, describing the move as “just crossing the road” as he remains in Durban.
Dladla parted ways with Durban City FC at the end of last season—having guided them to a Nedbank Cup title and a top-eight finish—before making the switch to Golden Arrows.
He replaces Manqoba Mngqithi, who steered Abafana Bes’Thende to a top-six finish last term before taking the head coaching job at Tanzanian giants Young Africans.
“I’m excited. It was very easy to adapt, to be honest,” said Dladla.
“I’m already feeling at home. My move is just a matter of crossing the road; I’m still in Durban. It means I’m already familiar with many of the players at the club. So, it didn’t take long to settle in.”
At Arrows, Dladla will be flanked by assistant coach James Madidilane and goalkeeper coach Jacob Mokhasi. Dladla previously worked alongside Mokhasi at Marumo Gallants before the latter’s departure at the end of last season.
Dladla also inherits a squad boasting the reigning PSL Golden Boot winner, Junior Dion, who finished as the league’s top scorer last season with 14 goals.
Speaking on his goals for the upcoming campaign, Dladla emphasized building team cohesion first:
“For me, I just want to get the best out of the players. As a technical team and squad, we need to be united. If we can achieve that, it will be a great first step that makes me happy—and I can already see that happening.”
Dladla will get his first public test in charge of Golden Arrows when they feature in the KZN Premier’s Cup this coming weekend, before opening their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign at home against Chippa United at King Zwelithini Stadium on 1 August.
