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Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C.
Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C.
from Wikipedia

Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. is a South African soccer club based in Durban that plays in the Premiership.

Key Information

History

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It was founded in 1943 in the streets of Lamontville, a township in Durban. The club played in the defunct National Professional Soccer League in the 1970s until they were relegated in 1976. They played in the Second Division thereafter until 1980 when they were embroiled in a soccer scandal and thrown out of the National Professional Soccer League.

The team was formed again in 1996 when the Madlala family bought the Second Division franchise of Ntokozo FC and changed its name to Lamontville Golden Arrows.

In 2000 they won promotion to the Premiership by winning the National First Division Coastal Stream.

Arrows claimed their first piece of major silverware when they won the 2009 MTN 8, routing Ajax Cape Town 6–0 in the final played at Orlando Stadium.

Honours

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League

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  • 1999–2000 – National First Division Coastal Stream Champions (2nd tier)[2]
  • 2014–15 – National First Division (2nd tier)[3]

Cups

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Pre-season tournaments

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  • 2011 – KZN Premier's Cup
Former club crest

Club records

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League positions

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First team squad

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As of 16 August, 2025

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF  RSA Sazi Gumbi
4 DF  RSA Ayanda Jiyane
5 DF  RSA Gladwin Shitolo (Captain)
8 MF  RSA Siyanda Mthanti
11 FW  RSA Nduduzo Sibiya
12 MF  RSA Velemseni Ndwandwe
13 DF  ZAM John Mwengani
14 MF  RSA Angelo Van Rooi
15 DF  CIV Oumar Comara
16 DF  RSA Thokozani Lukhele
18 FW  CIV Junior Dion
19 FW  RSA Sibusiso Sibeko
20 DF  RSA Osborn Maluleke
22 FW  RSA Jerome Karelse
23 MF  RSA Lungelo Dube
24 MF  RSA Nqobeko Dlamini
No. Pos. Nation Player
25 MF  RSA Ayabulela Maxwele
27 DF  RSA Ntsikelelo Nxadi
30 DF  RSA Sbonelo Cele
31 GK  RSA Xolani Ngcobo
32 GK  RSA Nkosingiphile Gumede
33 DF  RSA Keenan Phillips
34 GK  NAM Edward Maova
35 DF  RSA Themba Mantshiyane
36 FW  RSA Philani Kumalo
38 DF  RSA Ntandoyenkosi Mabaso
40 FW  RSA Lungelo Nguse
41 MF  RSA Nhlanhla Zwane
42 DF  RSA Brandon Theron
43 FW  RSA Lwanda Mbanjwa
44 FW  RSA Bongani Cole
50 FW  RSA Menzi Masuku

Foreigners

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In the South African Premiership, only five non-South African nationals can be registered. Foreign players who have acquired permanent residency can be registered as locals. Namibians born before 1990 can be registered as South Africans.


permanent residency

Notable former coaches

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. is a football club based in , , that competes in the Betway Premiership, the top tier of South African football. Founded in 1943 in the streets of Lamontville, a in , the club originally participated in local and regional leagues before entering professional competition. After a period of dormancy following relegation from the National Professional Soccer League in the 1970s, the club was revived in 1996 when the Madlala family acquired the Second Division franchise of Ntokozo F.C. and renamed it Lamontville Golden Arrows. The team achieved promotion to the Premier Soccer League in 2000 by winning the National First Division Coastal Stream, was relegated after the 2013–14 season, but returned via the 2014–15 National First Division title and has since maintained a presence in the top flight, with its highest finishes being fourth place in the 2020–21 season and fifth place in the 2008–09 season. Notable achievements include the 2009 title, the 2011 KZN Premier's Cup, the 2014–15 championship (securing another promotion), and Diski Challenge wins in 2015–16 and 2018. Lamontville Golden Arrows plays home matches at the King Zwelithini Stadium in , , which has a capacity of 10,000.

History

Origins and early years

Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. was founded in 1943 by Melika Madlala as an amateur soccer club in the of Lamontville, Durban, where it began playing on local streets with green, gold, and white as its colors. Initially affiliated with the Durban and District Football Association, the club transitioned to the Bantu Football Association in the 1960s, participating in regional amateur leagues amid the restrictions of the apartheid era. These competitions pitted Arrows against other -based teams, fostering a strong sense of community involvement that sustained the club through limited resources and provided a vital outlet for social cohesion in segregated Durban. During the early 1970s, the club achieved its first major milestone by entering the newly formed National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), competing in seasons from 1971 onward against established sides such as Durban Bush Bucks. In 1971, Arrows claimed the Challenge Shield—equivalent to the league's top honor—defeating Durban Bush Bucks 2-1 in the final, a victory that highlighted their emerging reputation for skillful, entertaining play. Key figures in these formative years included founder Melika Madlala, who guided the club's ambitions, and early players such as Henry “” Cele, Aubrey “Ngi” Mpanza, Mojo Sondezi, Popo Zungu, Thiza Thwala, and Cecil Ciliza, whose contributions built the team's identity around flair and pride.

Professional era and promotions

The modern era of Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. began in 1996 when the Madlala family, led by Rocky Madlala, acquired the Second Division franchise of Ntokozo FC and rebranded it as Lamontville Golden Arrows, affiliating the club with the as South Africa's second-tier league. This re-formation marked a revival of the club's identity, building on its roots in Durban's Lamontville while establishing a structure under family ownership. The club's upward trajectory in the late 1990s culminated in successive promotions. In the 1998–99 season, Golden Arrows finished 3rd in the Coastal Stream of the , positioning them strongly for national contention. They followed this by winning the 1999–2000 Coastal Stream championship, which earned automatic promotion to the (PSL) for the 2000–01 season, alongside Inland Stream winners Ria Stars. Upon entering the PSL, Golden Arrows experienced a period of consolidation and mid-table stability from 2000 to 2012, avoiding relegation while occasionally challenging for higher finishes. Their league positions during this span included 9th in 2000–01, 13th in 2001–02, a strong 5th in 2002–03, 9th in both 2003–04 and 2004–05, 6th in 2005–06, 12th in 2006–07, another 5th in 2008–09, 13th in 2010–11, and 11th in 2011–12. These results highlighted the club's growing competitiveness in South Africa's top flight, with the 2002–03 and 2008–09 campaigns standing out for their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. A pinnacle of this era came in 2009 when Golden Arrows claimed their first major trophy by winning the cup. Under coach , they progressed through the knockout stages, defeating Free State Stars 1–0 in the quarter-finals, AmaZulu 2–0 in the semi-finals, and capping the run with a dominant 6–0 victory over Ajax Cape Town in the final at on October 24, 2009, securing a record R8 million prize. This triumph not only boosted the club's profile but also exemplified their tactical evolution toward a flair-filled style emphasizing skillful play, particularly the "backheel" technique that earned them the enduring nickname Abafana Bes'thende (Zulu for "Backheel Boys"). The 2009 cup run featured notable instances of this creativity, with players like Siyabonga Nkosi and Thokozani Mchunu delivering intricate backheel assists that dismantled opponents, reinforcing Golden Arrows' reputation for entertaining, township-inspired football.

Relegations and comebacks

The club faced its first significant challenge in the late when it was relegated from the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) following the 1978 season, finishing last in the A zone with a record of 5 wins, 5 draws, and 24 losses, accumulating just 15 points from 34 matches. This relegation, after several seasons in the top tier during the , forced the team into lower-division competition, where it competed without notable success for over a decade. The original entity eventually disbanded, leading to a re-formation in 1996 when the Madlala family acquired the Second Division franchise of Ntokozo FC and renamed it Lamontville Golden Arrows, reviving the club's presence in professional football. Decades later, Golden Arrows encountered another relegation from the (PSL) at the conclusion of the 2013–14 season, ending in 16th place and marking the end of a 12-year stay in the top flight that had been plagued by inconsistent form and near-misses in prior campaigns. The drop to the (NFD) brought further struggles, as the team adapted to the second tier amid efforts to rebuild squad depth and tactical stability. The club swiftly rebounded by clinching the 2014–15 NFD championship under head coach , securing promotion back to the PSL with a dominant campaign that highlighted improved defensive organization and attacking efficiency. This success restored their top-flight status and set the foundation for sustained competitiveness. Since the 2015–16 season, Golden Arrows have maintained mid-table security in the PSL, exemplified by a 12th-place finish in the 2024–25 campaign amid transitional challenges. Coaching instability marked late 2024, with serving in an interim capacity alongside Musa Bilankulu after Mabhuti Khanyeza's exit, before assumed the role in March 2025 for his third stint with the club. Under Mngqithi's leadership, the team concluded 2024–25 in 12th and, as of November 2025, occupies 9th position in the 2025–26 standings after 12 matches, reflecting ongoing efforts to build on recent stability.

Club identity

Name changes and nicknames

The club was originally established in 1943 as Lamontville Golden Arrows in the Lamontville township of . Following financial challenges and relegation in the late 1970s, the original entity disbanded in the early 1980s, but it was revived in 1996 when the Madlala family acquired the second-division franchise of Ntokozo FC and rebranded it as Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. Since the 1996 reformation, the club has been commonly known simply as Golden Arrows in everyday usage and media, while the full official title Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. is retained for formal records and competitions, with no further major name alterations occurring post-2000. The most enduring , "Abafana Bes'thende" (isiZulu for "The Backheel Boys"), celebrates its reputation for flamboyant, skillful football characterized by backheel passes and creative flair that delighted township fans. This moniker has persisted unchanged into the , often appearing in fan chants as "Us Arrows," underscoring the club's deep ties to Zulu linguistic and cultural heritage within Durban's vibrant, community-driven football scene.

Colours, kit, and crest

The primary colours of Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. are and . These colours have been a staple since the club's founding in 1943. The home kit traditionally features a vibrant shirt with accents, often incorporating arrow motifs to evoke speed and precision. Kit evolution has seen shifts toward modern designs and commercial partnerships, particularly from the onward as the club entered professional leagues. In the late and , suppliers like Millé provided kits with prominent sponsor logos such as MTN, transitioning to in-house or local manufacturers by the mid-2010s to emphasize affordability and fan accessibility. The 2025–26 home kit is designed in vibrant green with gold detailing. The club's crest depicts a golden arrow piercing a traditional shield-shaped emblem, incorporating the initials "LGA" to represent Lamontville Golden Arrows. No major updates have occurred since its establishment, though minor refinements have ensured scalability for digital and merchandise use. Away and alternate kits have varied, often featuring dominant white bases with or gold accents since the early to provide contrast during matches. For instance, the 2020–21 away kit used a white shirt with scripting, while recent alternates incorporate highlights for continuity with the primary palette.

Stadium and training grounds

Home stadium

Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. used King Zwelithini Stadium in , , as its primary home venue from the 2014–15 season until the end of the 2022–23 season, following upgrades that expanded its capacity to 10,000 spectators as part of South Africa's legacy projects. The stadium, originally built in the and renovated in the late , features a standard FIFA-approved pitch measuring 105 m × 68 m, a of 10,000, and floodlights installed around 2007 to support evening matches. Named after the late Zulu monarch King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, the venue holds cultural significance for the club and its supporters in the Umlazi township, embodying local pride and community ties. It has hosted pivotal fixtures, including games during the club's successful 2014–15 National First Division campaign that secured promotion to the Premier Soccer League. The stadium is shared with AmaZulu F.C. for select matches. The club's stadium history traces back to its founding in , when matches were played on informal grounds in the Lamontville township of during the 1940s and persisting through much of the 1990s. By the early 2000s, Golden Arrows shifted to Chatsworth Stadium, using it as the base for home games until 2014 amid the club's push for professional stability. The club then temporarily used Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale for the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons. In July 2025, the club announced a return to King Zwelithini as its main venue for the 2025–26 Premiership season; however, select high-attendance fixtures, such as against Kaizer Chiefs, were relocated to the larger .

Training facilities

The main training ground for Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. is located adjacent to King Zwelithini Stadium in , , featuring two full-sized pitches and gym facilities that underwent significant upgrades in 2020 to enhance player conditioning and recovery capabilities. These facilities support daily training regimens for the first team and reserve squads, with the pitches maintained to PSL standards for high-intensity sessions. The club's youth academy, established in Lamontville in 1996, serves as a cornerstone for talent development and includes accommodations for up to 50 young players, enabling residential programs that combine football training with . Recent developments include drainage improvements aimed at mitigating waterlogging during the region's rainy season and ensuring year-round usability. These facilities have also hosted pre-season camps, such as the 2025 tour, where the team focused on fitness and tactical drills in preparation for the Premiership season. Despite these enhancements, the training grounds occasionally face challenges from Durban's humid and rainy weather, leading to pitch wear and temporary disruptions, which were addressed through comprehensive renovations in that improved and surface resilience.

Ownership and management

Board of directors

The of Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. is led by chairperson Mato Madlala, who has held the position since 2007 following the death of her brother, Madlala. The Madlala family acquired the club's Second Division franchise from Ntokozo F.C. in 1996, reviving the historic name and laying the foundation for its return to professional football. Mato Madlala, a prominent figure in South African sports administration, has been instrumental in maintaining the club's financial stability amid challenges, including its relegation from the in 2014. Key executives include team manager Nonceba Madlala, Mato Madlala's niece, who oversees daily operations and player relations, contributing to strong fan engagement through community-oriented initiatives. The board structure emphasizes family involvement, with Mato Madlala also serving on broader league committees, such as the Executive Committee, to align club governance with industry standards. As a privately owned , Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. operates with a focus on long-term sustainability, particularly after the 2014 relegation, which prompted strategic investments in youth development and infrastructure to secure promotion back to the top flight in 2016. The model prioritizes fiscal prudence and community ties, reflecting the club's roots in Durban's Lamontville township.

Coaching staff

The current head coach of Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. is , who was appointed on 3 March 2025 following his departure from Sundowns. Mngqithi previously managed the club during two stints, from 2007 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2013, during which he led the team to notable successes including the 2009 title. In his current role, Mngqithi has overseen a win rate of approximately 42% across 12 league matches in the 2025/26 season (as of November 2025), focusing on tactical discipline and squad rebuilding. Assisting Mngqithi are co-coaches and Musa Bilankulu. Dikgacoi, a former Bafana Bafana , served as interim alongside Bilankulu from November 2024 to March 2025, stabilizing the team during a transitional period marked by mid-table struggles in the Premiership. He transitioned to his current assistant role upon Mngqithi's arrival, bringing experience from his playing career at clubs like and . Bilankulu, appointed in 2022, contributes defensive expertise from his own playing background with teams such as Orlando Pirates. The fitness coaching duo consists of Joshua Gaillard, who joined in 2023, and Eduardo Langer Schoeler, both responsible for player conditioning and programs. Goalkeeping coach Marcus Mashilo has been in position since 2022, emphasizing technical drills and distribution skills for the team's custodians. The medical team, led by the club doctor, includes physiotherapist Crankshaw, who has supported rehabilitation efforts at Kings Park Centre. Post the Dikgacoi interim era, the 2025 technical staff hires under Mngqithi have prioritized youth integration, with the committing to a long-term project that promotes academy talents into the first team to bolster squad depth and sustainability.

Honours

League titles

Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. has secured two major second-tier league titles in its history, both resulting in promotion to the (PSL). These victories highlight the club's resilience and competitive edge in South Africa's lower divisions, particularly during periods of relegation and return to the top flight. In the 1999–2000 season, Golden Arrows clinched the Coastal Stream championship, earning automatic promotion to the PSL for the first time. The team amassed 61 points from 26 matches, demonstrating a strong defensive record and consistent performance throughout the campaign. This triumph marked a significant , transitioning the club from regional competition to national elite status. The club's most recent league title came in the 2014–15 (NFD) season, where they were crowned overall champions with 60 points from 30 matches. Golden Arrows recorded 16 wins, 12 draws, and only 2 losses, scoring 46 goals while conceding 25, which secured a +21 and topped the league for 17 weeks. This dominant performance earned them promotion back to the PSL after a brief stint in the second tier. Despite these successes at the second-tier level, Golden Arrows has not won a PSL title since entering the top flight in 2000. Their best finish in the Premier Division was fourth place in the 2020–21 season.

Cup competitions

Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. has secured several titles in cup competitions, primarily at the regional and pre-season levels, though it has yet to claim victories in South Africa's major national knockout tournaments such as the or the Telkom Knockout (now known as the ). The club's most notable national cup success came in the 2009 MTN 8, where it emerged as champions after a dominant 6–0 victory over Ajax Cape Town in the final at on 24 October 2009, marking Golden Arrows' first major trophy and earning a record R8 million prize. In regional competitions, Golden Arrows won the inaugural KZN Premier's Cup (also referred to as the Premier's Cup) in 2011, defeating AmaZulu 4–1 on penalties in the final at on 31 July 2011, following a goalless draw. Additionally, the club lifted the Hibiscus Mayoral Cup in the 2015–16 season, a pre-season tournament held in the region. Golden Arrows also won the Diski Challenge, the PSL reserve league competition, in the 2015–16 and 2018 seasons.

League performance

Historical positions

Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. participated in the National Professional Soccer League during the , maintaining competitive standing until relegation in 1976. Between the 2000–01 and 2011–12 seasons in the , the club averaged a 10th-place finish across its campaigns in the top flight. The club's historical league positions since 1997 are summarized in the table below, covering promotions, relegations, and standings in various divisions.
SeasonDivisionPositionPointsNotes
1997–98National First Division (Coastal Stream)5thN/A
1998–99National First Division (Coastal Stream)3rdN/A
1999–00National First Division (Coastal Stream)1stN/APromoted to PSL
2000–01Premier Soccer League9th45
2001–02Premier Soccer League13th42
2002–03Premier Soccer League5th51
2003–04Premier Soccer League9th37
2004–05Premier Soccer League9th33
2005–06Premier Soccer League6th40
2006–07Premier Soccer League12th36
2007–08Premier Soccer League9th41
2008–09Premier Soccer League5th46
2009–10Premier Soccer League12th32
2010–11Premier Soccer League11th33
2011–12Premier Soccer League13th32
2012–13Premier Soccer League13th31
2013–14Premier Soccer League16th21Relegated to NFD
2014–15National First Division1st60Promoted to PSL
2015–16Premier Soccer League9th40
2016–17Premier Soccer League8th38
2017–18Premier Soccer League7th38
2018–19Premier Soccer League11th36
2019–20Premier Soccer League7th33
2020–21Premier Soccer League4th47
2021–22Betway Premiership9th40
2022–23Betway Premiership9th38
2023–24Betway Premiership9th38
2024–25Betway Premiership12th31
2025–26Betway Premiership9th16As of 16 November 2025

Season-by-season summary

The 2015–16 season marked Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C.'s return to the (PSL) following promotion from the , where they finished in 9th place with 40 points from 11 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses. Under the guidance of coach Clinton Larsen, who assumed the role in December 2015, the team achieved stabilization by securing a mid-table position, avoiding relegation concerns and building a foundation for consistent PSL presence with a balanced record of 6 home wins and 5 away victories. This campaign highlighted defensive resilience, conceding just 35 goals across 30 matches, which contributed to their adaptation back to top-flight competition. In the 2024–25 PSL season, Golden Arrows ended in 12th place amid a challenging year plagued by defensive vulnerabilities, including a league-high concession rate in several stretches that exposed organizational lapses at the back. These issues prompted a mid-season shift to an interim coaching duo of and Musa Bilankulu, who steadied the ship but could not salvage top-eight aspirations, finishing with 31 points that reflected inconsistent form and early-season slumps. The campaign underscored the need for tactical adjustments, highlighting broader squad depth problems. The ongoing 2025–26 season has shown early promise under head coach Manqoba Mngqithi, with Golden Arrows accumulating 16 points from 12 matches, including 5 wins, 1 draw, and 6 losses to sit 9th in the standings as of November 2025. Their home form has been particularly strong at the King Zwelithini Stadium, with 5 wins, 0 draws, and 2 losses contributing to 15 points from 7 fixtures and signaling improved tactical cohesion. Mngqithi's influence has fostered a more attacking mindset, with the team scoring 18 goals in the opening games while integrating younger talents into key roles. Since 2020, Golden Arrows have trended toward greater youth integration, leveraging their academy to promote local talents into the first team, which has enhanced squad sustainability and community ties in Lamontville. This approach has coincided with an average of 1.2 points per game across PSL campaigns, reflecting steady mid-table performances despite occasional dips, as evidenced by cumulative records showing 1.33 points per match in recent full seasons.

Players

Current first-team squad

As of November 2025, Lamontville Golden Arrows F.C. maintains a first-team squad of 45 players for the –26 Premiership season, featuring a mix of experienced South African talents and six foreign players to bolster depth. The roster emphasizes defensive solidity and midfield creativity, with market values reflecting the club's focus on emerging prospects; for instance, right winger Nduduzo Sibiya holds an estimated value of €750,000 (as of May 2025). The squad is structured as follows:

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Among the foreigners are players like Junior Dion (Chad/Ivory Coast), contributing to the team's international dimension while adhering to league quotas. Contract details vary, with most running through the end of the 2025–26 season, supporting squad stability amid the competitive PSL environment.

Notable former players

Kagisho Dikgacoi, a South African , played for Lamontville Golden Arrows during two spells, first from 2005 to 2007 and later from 2016 to 2017, accumulating 84 appearances and 9 goals across his time with the club. He contributed significantly to the team's stability in the mid-2000s before moving to European clubs like and Crystal Palace, and upon returning, he added leadership experience from the . After retiring in 2018, Dikgacoi transitioned into coaching, serving as assistant manager at Golden Arrows as of 2025. Siyabonga Nkosi, a South African attacking , featured for Golden Arrows from 2010 to 2012, making 51 appearances and scoring 9 goals during his tenure. His contributions included key assists and goals in league matches, helping the team maintain competitiveness in the before he moved to Kaizer Chiefs, where he won multiple titles. Francis Chansa, a Democratic Republic of Congo international , played for Golden Arrows from 2003 to 2004, establishing himself as a reliable shot-stopper early in his South African career. Known for acrobatic saves, he made notable appearances that highlighted his potential, paving the way for stints at Orlando Pirates and Santos. Rudolf Bester, a Namibian forward, joined Golden Arrows in 2013 and played through the 2014 season, contributing to the team's attacking options in the PSL during the mid-2010s. As a versatile winger, he scored several goals, drawing on his international experience with Namibia's Brave Warriors before retiring and founding a youth academy. Michael Gumede appeared in 29 league matches for Golden Arrows in 2021–22, where he also netted 6 goals as a forward. His prolific underscored his impact on the squad's forward line before transferring to .

References

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