Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has expressed a desire to return to Golden Arrows, the club where he began making his mark in South African football. His connection to the team runs deep, with the coach crediting Arrows for giving him a crucial break during a challenging period in his career.
Appointed in January 2007, Mngqithi inherited a struggling Golden Arrows team that was rooted at the bottom of the league table. He quickly turned their fortunes around, starting with a victory in his debut match against Thanda Royal Zulu.
Under his leadership, the team secured seven wins in 14 matches, including notable triumphs over Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits. By the end of the season, Arrows had climbed to 12th place, avoiding relegation.
Mngqithi’s influence continued to grow in subsequent seasons. Arrows achieved a ninth-place finish the following year and climbed to fifth place in the 2008/09 campaign.
However, it was the 2009/10 season that truly cemented his legacy. That year, Golden Arrows delivered a stunning performance in the MTN8 final, thrashing Ajax Cape Town 6–0 to claim the trophy—a victory that remains the largest margin of victory in a PSL domestic cup final.
Reflecting on his time with the club after his recent departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, Mngqithi spoke fondly of Golden Arrows’ role in his career.
“I will always be open to helping Arrows,” he said. “They gave me an opportunity when no team would have taken that risk.”
Despite his admiration for the club, Mngqithi remained guarded about the specifics of a potential return. “I wouldn’t want to reveal what is happening at the moment,” he stated when asked directly about the possibility of rejoining the team.
Golden Arrows, currently sitting sixth in the league, are searching for a new coach after parting ways with co-coach Mabhuti Khenyeza. Mngqithi’s experience and history with the team make him an obvious candidate, but whether the two parties will reunite remains uncertain.
For now, Mngqithi’s loyalty to Arrows and his impressive track record keep the door open for what could be a significant comeback in South African football.
