Newly appointed Golden Arrows Head Coach Manqoba Mngqithi is set for an emotionally charged reunion with his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns, as he leads his side into battle against his ex-employers on Wednesday.
Just two days after being handed the reigns at the KZN based outfit, Mngqithi will make his debut during his second stint with Abafana Bes’thende in an eagerly anticipated clash against Sundowns.
All eyes will be on Mngqithi, as it pits the 53-year-old tactician against the club that played a pivotal role in his career, helping him evolve into one of the most respected managers in African football and contributing to the rise of Sundowns as a continental powerhouse.
Read: Manqoba Mngqithi makes emotional return to PSL outfit
Mngqithi’s return to Golden Arrows, after being let go by Sundowns in December, is bound to be filled with mixed emotions. The club confirmed Mngqithi’s appointment on Monday afternoon through their social media platforms, revealing that he would join Musa Bilankulu and Kagiso Dikgacoi on the technical staff.
The coaching position at Golden Arrows had remained vacant since Mabhuti Khenyeza’s move to Chippa United, and now Mngqithi steps in with a clear goal: to stabilize the team and guide Abafana Besthende back to better form.
At a time when Arrows are struggling—sitting in 11th place on the log with just 20 points from 16 matches—Mngqithi’s primary task will be to stop the slide and reignite the team’s performance.
While the team has shown glimpses of potential, they’ve lacked the consistency needed to climb up the standings, making Wednesday’s clash with Sundowns even more significant.
The challenge for Mngqithi is clear: not only must he face Sundowns soon after his departure, but he must also motivate an Arrows team that has underperformed recently.
Historically, the hosts have struggled against Sundowns, who have scored nine goals and conceded none in their last two encounters. Masandawana are on course for an eighth consecutive league title, with an 18-point lead over second-placed Pirates giving them a significant cushion.
Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Iqraam Rayners have been pivotal in Sundowns’ success, topping the league’s scoring charts, and they are expected to cause trouble for Arrows once again in Hammarsdale.
Sundowns are already having their most successful league campaign statistically and show no signs of easing up, aiming to further dominate South African football. Kick off at the Mpumalanga Stadium is set for 19:30 later this evening.