Linda Ximba
Former Bafana Bafana coach and current Al Ahly mentor Pitso Mosimane has praised Lamontville Golden Arrows chairperson Mato Madlala for believing in township coaches.
On Twitter, Mosimane, who has always been an advocate for local coaches, praised the Arrows boss for entrusting coach Mandla Ncikazi to guide the team.
“Chairperson Mato Madlala, since she bought the club, believed in coaches who come from townships. The spirit of Rocky Madlala is still alive,” said Mosimane.
“Mandla Ncikazi has taken the team to where it has never been before. We are very proud of you, coach!”
Mosimane himself is the product of Kagiso but established himself at SuperSport United academy before working his way up.
Working alongside Arrows’ legend Mabhuti Khenyeza as his assistant, Ncikazi’s young boys have punched above their weight and they are rewarded with a second spot going
to the Fifa break.
The core of the marauding Arrows team is from the reserves and some have been together for years.
The likes of rising defender, Nkosinathi Sibisi, who has been handed the captain’s
armband in the absence of Mathome Mathiane has reportedly attracted interest from the big-spending Sundowns.
Judging by the way Abafana Besithende have been dishing up an exciting brand of football, many believe they have gone back to their roots by believing in unknown youngsters. It’s the model the late chair Rocky “Mish” Madlala adopted when the team ventured into the pro setup in 2000.
Khenyeza and the likes of Papi Zothwane made their names at Arrows before big clubs came knocking at the door of Madlala for their signature.
