By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
In a significant development ahead of the new season, Manqoba Mngqithi has officially parted ways with the Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) based club Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Mnqithi guided Abafana Bes’thende to a sixth-place finish with 41 points from 30 league fixtures.
This achievement secured the club’s first top-eight placement since the 2020/21 season.
Mngqithi’s departure signals a complete overhaul of the first-team coaching staff. Assistant coaches Kagiso Dikgacoi and Musa Bilankulu, alongside goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo, have also left the club after receiving formal notice.
Across all competitions during this tenure, Mngqithi oversaw 46 matches, recording 17 wins, 11 draws, and 18 defeats.
“The club thanks Manqoba and his technical team for their unwavering professionalism and success this season, and we wish them well in their future endeavours as we begin the search for a new technical team ahead of pre-season, read the club statement.”
Mngqithi was heavily linked to Kaizer Chiefs when his contract ended at Arrows, however Chiefs have officially moved in a different direction and appointed French-Portuguese tactician Fernando Da Cruz as their new head coach.
Mngqithi’s coaching accolades include winning the Premiership twice (2020–21, 2021–22), the MTN 8 twice (2009, 2021), and the Nedbank Cup once (2021–22), all with Mamelodi Sundowns.