Dladla insists he will not copy Mngqithi as new Golden Arrows era begins

Pitso Dladla says he is determined to build his own identity at Golden Arrows rather than worry about “filling the big shoes” of former head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

The newly appointed Arrows boss has been handed control of Abafana Bes’thende alongside a completely reshaped backroom staff, after the club decided to part company with its assistant coaches and goalkeeping coach.

Mngqithi left having overseen an attractive, attack-minded style of play last season, during which the KwaZulu-Natal side appeared well placed to push on before his exit.

Arrows ultimately secured a sixth-place finish in the Betway Premiership, collecting 41 points from their 30 league fixtures.

‘I’m just focusing on Golden Arrows’

Dladla, who previously led Durban City to Nedbank Cup success while serving as interim coach, stressed that replicating Mngqithi is not his concern as he prepares for his first full campaign in charge.

“No, to be honest, I’m just focusing on Golden Arrows, the pre-season,” said Dladla.

“For now, that’s the most important thing that we have a good pre-season.

“I don’t look at that [pressure of Mngqithi’s shoes], I try by all means to focus on my team and the boys.

“If we have a good season, I know that we will also be able to have a good start in the league.”

Dladla’s comments underline his belief that a strong preparation period will be crucial to sustaining the standards set last term and giving his new technical team a platform to build from.

Strong foundations, new direction

Under Mngqithi, Arrows earned plaudits for their adventurous approach and consistent performances, which kept them in the top half of the table and within reach of the league’s leading pack for much of the campaign.

The club’s decision to overhaul the coaching structure following that sixth-place finish leaves Dladla not only stepping into a role previously held by one of South Africa’s most experienced coaches, but also overseeing a fresh technical setup tasked with maintaining momentum.

His track record with Durban City in the Nedbank Cup, where he guided the side to the trophy during a temporary spell in charge, has helped convince Arrows that he can manage the transition.

However, Dladla is adamant that he will be judged on what his Golden Arrows team does in the months ahead, rather than on how closely he follows Mngqithi’s blueprint.

By prioritising pre-season work and insisting his focus remains solely on his current squad, Dladla has set out a clear message that he intends to shape Arrows in his own image while trying to build on last season’s top-six finish in the Betway Premiership.