Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
Image: Backpagepix
Manqoba Mngqithi is set to face an emotional reunion with his former side, Mamelodi Sundowns, as he takes charge of Lamontville Golden Arrows in a Betway Premiership clash at Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday night.
Just two days after rejoining the KZN-based club, Mngqithi will lead Abafana Besthende in Hammarsdale against the team where he made his name, the side he helped build into a continental powerhouse.
His return to Arrows, after being sacked by Sundowns in December, is sure to bring plenty of emotion as the 53-year-old tactician steps into the dugout against the club that shaped much of his recent success. Arrows confirmed Mngqithi's appointment on Monday afternoon via their social media channels, announcing that he would join Musa Bilankulu and Kagiso Dikgacoi in the technical staff.
The club's coaching position had been vacant since Mabhuti Khenyeza's departure to Chippa United, and now Mngqithi steps in with a clear mission: to steady the ship and guide Abafana Bes'thende back to better form.
Having taken over at a time when Arrows are struggling — currently sitting 11th on the log with just 20 points from 16 matches — Mngqithi’s first task will be to arrest the slide and spark a revival.
The team has shown flashes of potential but has lacked the consistency needed to climb up the standings, making this midweek showdown with Sundowns even more critical. For Mngqithi, Wednesday’s match will be personal. His time at Sundowns saw him win multiple titles, including the prestigious CAF Champions League, and his departure was far from easy.
Now, he has a chance to prove that he can enjoy another special era at Arrows, having won and helped the club with their only piece of top-flight silverware when they lifted the MTN8 in 2009.
The best way to kick off his third stint at the club would be to upset his former employers and runaway log leaders Sundowns.
The challenge for Mngqithi will be clear: not only does he have to navigate the complexities of facing Sundowns so soon after his departure, but he must also inspire an Arrows side that has underperformed in recent months.
The Durban-based outfit has not performed particularly well against the Brazilians, who have scored nine goals and conceded none against them in their last two head-to-head encounters. Sundowns now seem destined for a record-setting eighth league title in a row with their 18-point lead over second-placed Pirates quite a sizeable cushion.
Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners have been at the forefront of Sundowns’ charges as they occupy first and second on the top-scorers list in the league and are expected to terrorise Arrows once more in Hammarsdale.
The Chloorkop-based outfit is already having its best league campaign statistically and appears even hungrier to keep their foot on the neck of South African football.