Golden Arrows have confirmed the addition of three players from Royal AM as they aim to finish the season on a strong note.
The suspension of Thwihli Thwahla’s fixtures in the PSL has given other clubs the chance to target players from the Pietermaritzburg-based side. Arrows have brought in Ayabulela Maxwele, Shadrack Kobedi, and Sabelo Sithole, with two of them making their debut in the team’s 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Maxwele came on in the 45th minute, replacing Thokozani Lukhele at right-back, while Kobedi entered the game in the 73rd minute for Sazi Gumbi.
Sithole was not included in the matchday squad, as coach Manqoba Mngqithi explained that the player had recently undergone a demanding training regimen.
Mngqithi bizarrely stated he wasn't sure how the club was able to land the three players but went on to express his satisfaction with the signings, acknowledging that they would strengthen the squad.
“I do not know how we got them, but I was happy to have them, as to how it happened, the mechanisms, I can’t tell you, but the truth is, it’s pleasing to have them,” he said.
“I don’t know, I was not part of the process but they are talented players, and they will add value to our team.”
He also clarified the decision to leave Sithole out of the match, saying, “We’ve been pushing the players hard in recent training sessions, and we didn’t want to risk overloading him physically. It was a precaution to ensure he stays fit for future games.”
Despite not featuring on Saturday, Mngqithi is optimistic about what the new signings will bring to the squad.
Teams sign good players for a coach they respect. Golden Arrows have created a formidable squad for Manqoba with the acquisition former Royal AM players, Shadrack Kobedi and Maxwele.
— People of Jose Riviero (@sibonelosithole) March 30, 2025
“Even though he didn’t play today, we’re happy to have Sabelo too, and we look forward to having him contribute in the upcoming matches,” he concluded.
With the new arrivals, Arrows will hope to continue improving as the season progresses.
Abafana Besthende are chasing a top eight spot and are tenth on the Betway Premiership standings with ten games of the season to go.
Although still with a realistic chance of a top three finish, Arrows’ immediate target is expected to be a place in next season’s MTN8 competition, a cup they have a romantic history with.
Mngqithi in particular has the fondest memories with the MTN8 having guided Arrows to their one and only title in 2009. However, the former Mamelodi Sundowns refused to be drawn into a conversation about his side’s targets.
Instead, he revealed that his approach would be from game to game and with that method expects their goals to be reached as a consequence of their fine work.
“I don't put such targets (top eight) on the team because it becomes very abstract,” he said.
“I always focus on the next game and try to give them the necessary information to win that match because the process will take care of itself.
Arrows will take to the field on Saturday when they battle Chippa United at the Mpumalanga Stadium.
