Kaizer Chiefs-bound? Manqoba Mngqithi to leave Golden Arrows

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Kaizer Chiefs-bound? Manqoba Mngqithi to leave Golden Arrows
Manqoba Mngqithi, Golden Arrows. Photo: Golden Arrows

Manqoba Mngqithi’s contract with Golden Arrows is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, fueling speculation that he could be the next head coach of Kaizer Chiefs.

However, a source close to the situation confirmed to ESPN that as of Tuesday, when Chiefs announced the departure of co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, no formal approach had been made for Mngqithi’s services.

Mngqithi is a highly decorated coach, best known for his successful and lengthy tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns. He joined the club as an assistant coach midway through the 2013-14 season and held that position for six years.

Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef have left Kaizer Chiefs.
Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

Following the departure of head coach Pitso Mosimane in 2020, Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena shared head coaching responsibilities for over four years.

Successful spell at Sundowns

His nearly 11-year association with Sundowns ended in December 2024 when he was dismissed just five months into his first season as the sole head coach. Although he held ultimate authority for two years after Mosimane’s exit, he was technically in a co-coaching role with Mokwena.

The club later promoted Mokwena to head coach in October 2022, demoting Mngqithi to an assistant role, before reinstating him as head coach in July 2024 after parting ways with Mokwena.

Manqoba Mngqithi
Manqoba Mngqithi. Picture by Mamelodi Sundowns

Despite a mixed start to the 2024-25 season, which saw Sundowns leading the PSL standings but struggling in the CAF Champions League, Mngqithi was replaced by Miguel Cardoso. Regardless of the internal politics at Sundowns, Mngqithi’s track record of consistent success in various coaching capacities is undeniable.

He was involved in all eight of Sundowns’ consecutive Premiership titles before Orlando Pirates ended their dominant run this season. Mngqithi also contributed as an assistant coach to two earlier league wins (2013-14 and 2015-16) and the club’s historic 2016 CAF Champions League victory.

Manqoba Mngqithi, Golden Arrows
Manqoba Mngqithi, Golden Arrows. Image: Golden Arrows

Mngqithi tipped for Chiefs job

Among the candidates linked to the vacant Kaizer Chiefs position, only his former mentor, Pitso Mosimane, can claim a comparable level of success. With Mosimane currently unattached and Mngqithi’s contract nearing its end, the possibility of a move to the Glamour Boys is growing.

Further reports from SoccerBeat indicate that Golden Arrows are already considering former TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic as a potential successor. Mngqithi began his third stint with the Durban-based club in March 2025.

Another name frequently mentioned is Kenya’s head coach, Benni McCarthy. A self-professed childhood Chiefs fan who played for rivals Orlando Pirates, McCarthy has stated that the initiative to hire him must come from the club itself.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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