Golden Arrows bolster squad with Mbatha and Buthelezi double signing ahead of new season opener

Golden Arrows have moved to reinforce their squad before the start of the new Betway Premiership campaign by signing Phabonke Mbatha and Siphesihle Buthelezi from The Bees FC on three-year deals.

The duo arrive on the back of a standout season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, where The Bees impressed in South Africa’s second tier, and are seen as key additions as Arrows reshape their squad.

Mbatha, 24, has been recruited as a like-for-like replacement for Keanan Phillips, who has joined AmaZulu ahead of the 2026-27 season. Arrows have lost several established players during the off-season and are looking to the lower divisions for emerging talent.

Club in transition under new coach Dladla

The double signing comes at a time of major change at Golden Arrows following the departure of head coach Manqoba Mngqithi and his technical team. Pitso Dladla has now taken charge, tasked with steering the club through a period of significant rebuilding.

Despite the upheaval, the Durban-based side have maintained their strategy of identifying and promoting promising players from the Championship. Mbatha’s arrival on a three-year contract underlines that approach, with the former Bees midfielder expected to step straight into a prominent role.

Buthelezi, 23, also signs a three-year deal and brings prior top-flight experience, having previously been on the books of Richards Bay. The winger was regarded as one of the most exciting attacking threats in the second tier last season and will offer Arrows additional pace and creativity in wide areas.

Key departures reshape Arrows squad

Arrows’ recruitment drive follows a series of exits that have altered the core of the squad. The club have opted to cash in on Siyanda Ndlovu and Isaac Cisse, while several other first-team players have moved on.

Phillips’ switch to AmaZulu is among the most high-profile of those departures, with Philani Sithebe, Sanele Tshabalala, Lwanda Mbanjwa and Brendon Theron also leaving the club during the current window.

Those outgoings have increased the need for fresh options across the pitch and accelerated the push to secure standout performers from the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

With Mbatha and Buthelezi now confirmed, Arrows head into the Betway Premiership season opener with two new signings expected to compete immediately for starting places as Dladla looks to stamp his authority on a revamped squad.