Khanyeza's grinning return: Arrows pierce Stellenbosch's momentum with sobering defeat

Mabhuti Khanyeza, a former prolific striker in the Premier Soccer League, has taken up the head coach position at Golden Arrows once again for the 2024/25 season.

Earlier this year, in March, the Arrows' ownership had to make a decisive move as Khanyeza's tenure saw the team suffering 11 defeats out of 12 matches across all competitions.

Fortunately for them, the experienced Steve Komphela was available after a troubled six-month spell with Moroka Swallows, which ended sooner than anticipated.

Komphela had left Mamelodi Sundowns to take on the role, eager to lead a team once more, while Khanyeza had begun the 2023/24 season with Arrows, achieving seven victories in their first ten matches.

However, Khanyeza's fortunes took a turn for the worse, prompting Arrows to bring in Komphela to stabilise the team and prevent relegation, leading to Khanyeza’s demotion to first team coach.

Fast-forward five months, and Khanyeza has been reinstated as the head coach at Arrows, while Komphela has returned to Masandawana, illustrating the continuing rotation in coaching positions.

On Wednesday, the 42-year-old Khanyeza was in high spirits as his Arrows side secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC, marking a strong start to their Premiership season at a rain-soaked and windy Athlone Stadium.

It was Khanyeza's 30th match in charge of Arrows, and his ninth win, with five draws and 16 defeats.

It was a clash of contrasting fortunes as Arrows kicked off their season against Stellenbosch, who were already seven matches into their campaign, having navigated both the MTN8 and the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Maroons arrived in Athlone with an unblemished record, buoyed by their recent triumph over DR Congo giants AS Vita in the