Manqoba Mngqithi is making an emotional return to management at Golden Arrows, the club where his coaching journey began, just three months after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns.
On Monday, Golden Arrows confirmed Mngqithi’s reappointment via their official social media channels, marking a return to the club he left in 2014 to join Sundowns.
After his departure from Sundowns in December, the 53-year-old was immediately linked to a possible return to Durban following the departure of Mabhuti Khenyeza, with many speculating that an official announcement would follow soon after Khenyeza’s exit.
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While Mngqithi was also courted by other clubs, including Rwandan giants Armée Patriotique Rwandaise FC, it was the emotional pull of his past connection with Golden Arrows that ultimately led him back.
Mngqithi’s bond with Abafana Bes’thende runs deep. It was at Golden Arrows where he received his first major coaching opportunity in 2007 at the age of 36.
The club not only provided him with his breakthrough in the PSL but it also shaped his growth as a coach, setting the foundation for a highly successful career. This sentimental connection appears to have played a crucial role in his decision to return, despite the lucrative offers that came his way.
Mngqithi had a prior stint with Golden Arrows from 2007 to 2010 and again between 2012 and 2013. During his time in 2009, he led the team to an MTN8 title, where they thrashed Ajax Cape Town 6-0 in the final at Orlando Stadium. At the time, he was only 38 years old.
That 6-0 victory remains the largest margin of victory in a Cup final in South African football history. In the 2008/09 season, the club secured a fifth-place finish in the league, which was their best performance until the 2020/21 season when they placed fourth.
He left Arrows in 2014 to join Sundowns, initially as an assistant coach, then later progressing to co-coach and eventually head coach.
Mngqithi will be looking to utilize his experience gained at Sundowns to help revive Golden Arrows. Currently, the Durban-based team sits 11th in the league after 16 matches. As fate would have it, his first match in charge will be against Sundowns this Wednesday.
Now, as he steps back into the role with the club that started it all for him, expectations are high for what Mngqithi will bring to the team in the next chapter of his coaching journey.