Manqoba Mngqithi’s First Three Wins Back at Golden Arrows.

Manqoba Mngqithi’s return to Golden Arrows in March 2025 marked the beginning of a fresh chapter for the KwaZulu-Natal club. His third stint in the Abafana Bes’thende dugout has so far produced three crucial wins, each carrying its own significance—and together, they suggest that the team may be shifting momentum under his leadership.

Photo cred :Super Sport

Here are the three wins that have stood out under Mngqithi since he came back:

Golden Arrows 1-0 Polokwane City
His first win back was away at Polokwane City. This result was important for a few reasons: it was his first league victory in the new spell; it restored confidence; and it demonstrated that his side could grind out narrow wins. Arrows controlled a good portion of possession and showed fight.
Golden Arrows 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs (Away)
One of the more headline-grabbing wins: defeating Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida is never easy. Arrows went ahead, had to withstand pressure, and then sealed the win late, courtesy of Knox Mutizwa after Chiefs equalised. This victory showed resilience, tactical organisation, and the ability to execute under pressure.
Golden Arrows 1-0 Mamelodi Sundowns
Perhaps the most telling result: beating Sundowns 1-0 at home (King Zwelithini Stadium) is a big deal. Sundowns have been a dominant force in South African football, and this result under Mngqithi indicates that Arrows, under him, are not just competing—they are capable of toppling big teams. It also helped arrest a run of poor form for Arrows.

These wins, however, also set a higher bar. With late wins over Chiefs and a scalp over Sundowns, expectations will rise from fans, media, and the club hierarchy. The next challenge for Mngqithi is to maintain this level—stringing together wins, not just in high-profile matches but also against lower-ranking teams where complacency can creep in.

Manqoba Mngqithi’s return to Golden Arrows has already yielded three important wins, and those wins are more than just isolated successes. They represent a possible turning point for the club—where confidence is growing, tactical clarity is improving, and belief is being rebuilt.

If Arrows, under Mngqithi, can keep up this level of performance—avoiding lapses, being consistent, and capitalizing on momentum—they may well find themselves in a much better position by the season’s end.