After finishing in sixth place under Mgqithi last season, Golden Arrows confirmed the appointment with a brief statement welcoming the highly regarded tactician to the club.
“Sthende Nation welcomes Head Coach Pitso Dladla.”
GOLDEN ARROWS TURN TO PITSO DLADLA
Dladla arrives at Golden Arrows after an impressive spell with Durban City FC, where he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign as head coach.
Born in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, Dladla began his coaching journey in the early 2000s with Hambanathi Young Destroyers after ending his playing career in the ABC Motsepe League.
He later left full-time teaching in 2018 to focus entirely on football and has since earned a CAF C Licence as well as Brazilian and Dutch coaching qualifications.
The 42-year-old also gained valuable experience as an assistant coach at Richards Bay FC before joining Durban City FC in a technical role.
NEDBANK CUP SUCCESS BOOSTED HIS REPUTATION
Dladla took over Durban City FC on an interim basis during the 2025/26 season following a series of coaching changes.
He quickly transformed the club’s fortunes by guiding the newly promoted side to a historic Nedbank Cup triumph, defeating TS Galaxy in the final to lift the club’s first major trophy.
Also read: Bafana Bafana starting XI to expect vs South Korea
In addition to the cup success, Dladla steered Durban City FC to an eighth-place finish in the Betway Premiership, securing qualification for the MTN8.
His achievements made him one of the most sought-after young coaches in South African football.
Also read: PSL club announce former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach
NEW CHAPTER AT ABAFANA BES’THENDE
Golden Arrows will now hope Dladla can build on that success as the club prepares for the 2026/27 season.
His appointment signals the start of a new era for the club following the exit of Manqoba Mngqithi, with expectations high that the former Durban City FC mentor can establish Golden Arrows as consistent contenders in the Betway Premiership.
