Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi dropped a bombshell at the Nedbank Headquarters in Umhlanga, insisting the Betway Premiership title race remains wide open while predicting a chaotic and dramatic second half of the season.
The Nedbank Cup has long been the spiritual home of South African football’s “David vs. Goliath” narratives, and the 2026 edition is already living up to its giant‑slaying reputation.
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As Abafana Bes’thende prepare to host Orbit College in a Last 32 encounter this Saturday at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Mngqithi didn’t hold back on the current state of the domestic game.
Speaking at the official press conference, the 54‑year‑old mentor delivered a scathing assessment of the technical quality on display this season.
“I don’t think this league is going to be decided on the last day. I think there are a lot of people playing bad football who are still being fortunate,” Mngqithi remarked bluntly.
The former Nedbank Cup winner suggested that the perceived gap between the top and bottom of the table is an illusion created by a dip in overall quality.
“I honestly don’t think this league is as difficult as people think,” he added. “I don’t want to say much, but the reality is that we still have a lot to improve on in this league—my team included.”
Mngqithi continued: “I honestly think the football this season hasn’t been at the level the spectators think it is. That is why I expect big surprises. I foresee results that no one anticipates… results that will be very inconsistent and will change the face of the top four every weekend.”
Mngqithi’s warnings of an “upset season” carry significant weight, especially after Kaizer Chiefs became the first defending champions since TS Galaxy in 2020 to be dumped out of the competition last night by former Amakhosi boss Gavin Hunt.
For Arrows, the history books offer a mixed bag. Since Nedbank took over sponsorship in 2008, the Lamontville outfit has won eight of their eighteen opening‑round fixtures, netting 30 goals in the process.
They will be looking to improve that record and avoid becoming the next big‑name casualty. Kick-off against Orbit College is set for 18h00 on Saturday at Umlazi’s King Zwelithini Stadium.