Lamontville Golden Arrows part company with coach Pitso Dladla

Lamontville Golden Arrows have dismissed head coach Pitso Dladla with immediate effect, less than 24 hours after he said he had the club’s full backing.

The club announced on Thursday that it had agreed to end its relationship with Dladla, who succeeded Manqoba Mngqithi after Mngqithi moved to Young Africans SC.

“Lamontville Golden Arrows Football Club and Coach Pitso Dladla have agreed to part ways effective immediately,” the club said in a statement.

“The Club would like to thank Coach Dladla for his efforts, commitment and dedication during his tenure at the Club.”

Dladla’s departure follows a sharp downturn in results after an unbeaten start to the season. Arrows avoided defeat in their opening six matches and also reached the MTN8 semi-final, defeating Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns on their way to the last four.

However, their elimination in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final began a run of five matches without a victory.

The former Richards Bay coach had only confirmed on Wednesday that he retained the club’s support. He has now left his position less than a day later.

Former Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi is widely expected to return to the club after vacating his role as Orlando Pirates assistant.