Mabhuti Khenyeza last managed Golden Arrows in their match against Cape Town City on December 1, raising concerns among fans and stakeholders alike. Photo: BackpagePix
The future of Mabhuti Khenyeza, head coach of Lamontville Golden Arrows, is currently shrouded in uncertainty following his unexpected absence from the club for nearly two weeks.
Khenyeza, who returned to the helm at the start of the 2024/25 season, has overseen an encouraging campaign, leading the team to a respectable sixth position in the Premiership standings.
However, his recent unexplained leave has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation regarding his long-term role at the club.
Khenyeza last managed the team in their match against Cape Town City on December 1, raising concerns among fans and stakeholders alike.
In the interim, assistant coaches Musa Bilankulu and Kagisho Dikgacoi have taken on his responsibilities, effectively stepping in to ensure continuity in the squad’s preparations and strategy.
“Lamontville Golden Arrows Football Club would like to state that Mr Mabhuti Khenyeza has been absent from work for a week. Musa Bilankulu and Kagisho Dikgacoi are in charge of the team. The club will not comment any further on this matter,” read a statement from the team.
Despite this official communication, whispers of deeper issues within the club have surfaced.
Sources close to the team suggest that Khenyeza’s absence may be linked to a breakdown in relations with the dressing room, leading to various media reports claiming that he had submitted his resignation.
These claims were further exacerbated by the recent availability of 2009 MTN8-winning coach with Arrows, Manqoba Mngqithi, who was released by Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.
However, the club have categorically denied these allegations.
A club representative underscored the situation, stating: “Everything that we’re seeing in the media about the coach resigning is a surprise to everyone at the club. We have no knowledge of that.
“The coach remains a part of the club, and if that were to change, we would issue a statement.”
This uncertainty comes at a critical juncture in the season, with the club’s performance having generated hope among supporters for a strong finish.
As the team navigate this turbulent period, the focus will be on both the coaching staff and the players to maintain momentum in the league.
While uncertainty around Khenyeza’s future remains at the Durban-based outfit, Bilankulu and Dikgacoi have been pushing the players at training ahead of a KwaZulu-Natal derby clash at the weekend.
Abafana Bes’thende will welcome Richards Bay FC to the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale on Saturday (3.30pm kick-off).
Under the guidance of the three coaches, Arrows have managed four wins, a draw and three losses in their eight outings, but are currently unbeaten in their last four matches, with back-to-back wins over Royal AM and Cape Town City coming recently.
Arrows will hope to close out the year in style with two more games against the Natal Rich Boyz, as well as Polokwane City remaining in 2024.