Manqoba Mngqithi’s Golden Arrows Return Keeps Him Among SA’s Top-Paid Coaches

Manqoba Mngqithi’s decision to return to Golden Arrows earlier this year has not only kept him in the coaching spotlight but also ensured that he remains among the top earners in the Betway Premiership. Despite his exit from Mamelodi Sundowns late last year, his financial stature has stayed firmly rooted in elite territory.

Having parted ways with Sundowns after more than a decade of service—first as an assistant to Pitso Mosimane and later as part of a triumvirate coaching structure—Mngqithi had established himself as one of the most well-compensated coaches on the continent. His tenure at Chloorkop was marked by consistency, silverware, and a steady climb in remuneration, placing him in the upper bracket of earners in African club football, where salaries for top coaches can exceed USD30,000 per month (approximately R530,000).

His move back to Arrows in March did not diminish his value. In fact, Mngqithi’s current contract is believed to place him comfortably in the top three earners in South African football, joining Kaizer Chiefs’ Nasreddine Nabi and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Miguel Cardoso at the summit. Nabi, who recently arrived from FAR Rabat, now earns slightly more than R750,000 per month, while Cardoso’s deal at Chloorkop is an upgrade from his previous position at Esperance.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou also received a significant financial bump compared to his past roles at Marumo Gallants and AS Vita Club. Still, his package doesn’t match the top-tier salaries commanded by Mngqithi, Nabi, and Cardoso.

Mngqithi’s reluctance to chase offers from North Africa stems from more than just money. Sources indicate that he, like fellow high-earning coach Rulani Mokwena, has turned down multiple proposals from clubs in the region, many of which are known for volatile management and poor contract enforcement. With his earning power intact, Mngqithi has the freedom to choose stability and respect over risky ventures.

Staying at Golden Arrows offers him just that: a familiar environment, fewer off-the-pitch distractions, and the breathing space to focus purely on football. While he may no longer be at the continental powerhouse that is Sundowns, his reputation and salary package remain at a level few can match in South African football.

Mngqithi’s calm return to Arrows is a reminder that sometimes, the smartest move is not about chasing headlines or exotic challenges—it’s about longevity, loyalty, and knowing your worth.