Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed that he turned down an offer from an Egyptian club in favour of returning to Abafana Be’Sthende.
Mngqithi was recently appointed as Arrows’ head coach, marking his third stint at the club where he made his professional coaching debut in 2007.
The experienced mentor had been without a job since his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns in December, ending a 10-year tenure with the club. However, he says a call from Arrows’ owner, Mato Madlala, asking for his help made his decision easy despite having other offers.
“Most of the clubs that showed interest wanted me for the next season. One of the clubs showed interest at the last minute, but unfortunately, I had already received the call from sis (Mato Madlala),” Mngqithi told Ukhozi FM, as quoted by FarPost.
“It was going to be difficult for me to go there (to that club) after being asked by Arrows to come and help. The last thing I want to see is Arrows in trouble when I have a way to help them. I made the decision to come back because I felt it was the most urgent situation.”
Mngqithi further explained that accepting the job didn’t take much thought, as Arrows was the first club to give him a chance in professional football.
“It didn’t take me long to decide. When they asked me to come, I had to help. This team gave me an opportunity when nobody else would have, so I owe them. I have to do whatever they need me to do,” he added.
Mngqithi takes over from interim coaches Musa Bilankulu and Kagiso Dikgacoi, who had been leading the team following the departure of Mabhuti Khenyeza.