As reported in previous weeks, leading Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates insider Innocent Mkhize revealed that Amakhosi have targeted Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi for next season.
The same reliable source, who was the first to break the stories of Thabo Cele and Siphesihle Ndlovu among others, has reported that Amakhosi aim to keep Khalil Ben and Cedric Kaze as Mngqithi’s assistants, but there’s resistence from the Golden Arrows chairlady Matho Madlala.
KAIZER CHIEFS TO SECURE MANQOBA MNGQHITHI DEAL?
“Based on reliable information, those two coaches are staying,” Mkhize said on X. “The plan at Kaizer Chiefs is to add one senior figure to the technical team, with Manqoba Mngqithi currently top of the list.
“However, the main stumbling block is believed to be Manto, who reportedly prefers Mngqithi to join Orlando Pirates instead,” he concluded.
Also read: Scouting for Kaizer Chiefs: Midfielders to sign – Part 2
WHY AMAKHOSI ARE INTERESTED
Mngqithi has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most respected football minds through his success with both Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Also read: Orlando Pirates: Plans to sign three new signings
The 55-year-old from Umzimkhulu, KZN, first rose to national prominence after guiding Arrows to a historic 6-0 victory in the 2009 MTN8 final. Mngqithi later spent 12 years at Sundowns, initially serving as assistant coach to Pitso Mosimane before becoming co-coach alongside Rhulani Mokwena.
During that period, Sundowns established themselves as South Africa’s dominant force, winning 11 major trophies, including the 2016 CAF Champions League title.
He was also part of a technical team that reached four quarter-finals and three semi-finals between 2017 and 2024.
Following a brief spell as Sundowns’ sole head coach, where he maintained a 66.7% win rate (10 wins and two defeats and three draws), Mngqithi returned to Golden Arrows in March 2025.
Since returning,Mngqithi guided the club from a relegation threat into eighth place with two league matches remaining, while also leading them to the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup.
Under his leadership, Arrows are the joint third-highest goalscoring side in the league alongside Kaizer Chiefs, with only Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns scoring more goals.
His recruitment decisions have also played a major role in the turnaround, with players such as Ayanda Jiyane, Isaac Cisse and Junior Dion making an immediate impact.
Unlike a foreign option, Mngqithi would require no adaptation period to the Betway Premiership. He knows the league inside out, including rivals Sundowns and Pirates, and also holds a UEFA A Licence.
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