The pursuit of Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi by Kaizer Chiefs has taken a significant turn, with influential insider Innocent Mkhize providing a crucial update on the situation. According to Mkhize, the Amakhosi hierarchy is determined to secure Mngqithi as their head coach for next season, and crucially, they plan to retain current assistants Khalil Ben and Cedric Kaze as part of his technical team. “Based on reliable information, those two coaches are staying,” Mkhize stated, outlining a plan to add just one senior figure to the bench. However, a major obstacle has emerged: Golden Arrows chairlady Matho Madlala is reportedly resisting the move, with Mkhize revealing that she prefers Mngqithi to join Orlando Pirates instead.
Kaizer Chiefs’ interest in the 55-year-old is rooted in his outstanding pedigree and deep understanding of South African football. Mngqithi first made his mark by guiding Arrows to a historic 6-0 victory in the 2009 MTN8 final before spending 12 trophy-laden years at Mamelodi Sundowns. As assistant and later co-coach, he was integral to Sundowns’ dominance, winning 11 major trophies including the 2016 CAF Champions League, and reaching multiple continental quarter-finals and semi-finals. After a brief stint as Sundowns’ sole head coach, where he recorded an impressive 66.7% win rate, he returned to Golden Arrows in March 2025 and orchestrated a dramatic turnaround, lifting the club from relegation danger to eighth place while reaching the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals.
Mngqithi’s credentials make him an ideal candidate for Chiefs, as he requires no adaptation period to the Betway Premiership. Since his return, Arrows have become the joint third-highest scoring side in the league alongside Chiefs, with only Pirates and