Mngqithi Breaks Silence On Mutizwa And Zuke Exits
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi declined to comment on the departures of striker Knox Mutizwa and midfielder-turned-defender Thabani Zuke.
Both players parted ways with the club due to misconduct a few weeks prior. Mutizwa had previously been suspended for misconduct, and as his behavior did not improve, the club decided to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
Mutizwa’s departure is a significant loss for the club, as he is their all-time leading scorer with 63 goals in 231 appearances. The Zimbabwean international scored the decisive goal in Arrows’ last victory, a 2-1 win against Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium in March.
That was his third goal in 14 matches across all competitions.
That victory against Chiefs remains Arrows’ last win, as they are currently on a six-match winless streak, including a 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
Regarding Zuke, who was promoted during the 2019/20 season, there are rumors suggesting he might join either AmaZulu or Richards Bay for the upcoming season, as his contract with Arrows is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.
Zuke was appointed Arrows captain following Nkosinathi Sibisi’s move to Pirates ahead of the 2022/23 season. However, he suffered an ACL injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of last season. Subsequently, the captain’s armband was passed to Nduduzo Sibiya, who currently holds the position. Zuke departs the club having played in 93 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
“As for the decision we take as a team, we always prefer our dirty linen kept within the house,” stated Mngqithi when questioned about the duo’s exit.
Arrows find themselves in a precarious position, having been drawn into the relegation battle. They currently sit in 14th place with 26 points after 25 matches.
The club’s final two scheduled matches are against Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday and Sekhukhune United on 24 May.
However, the outcome of their previously abandoned match against SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium, due to a power failure several months ago, may be decided in the boardroom.
