CONFIRMED: Mngqithi in ‘working session’ with Botswana’s club

Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has sparked speculation linking him with a move to Botswana’s Black Lions FC.

The FNB Premiership, which is said to be owned by a South Africa-based Zimbabwean Tendani Sebata, seems to have a soft spot for South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) trainers.

Black Lions FC were until recently under the tutelage of former Orlando Pirates FC handler Owen Da Gama.

However, the South African lost his job with the Botswana club after a run of poor results months after leaving Magesi FC in the PSL.

Owen Da Gama had joined Magesi FC on 30 December 2024 and presided over 19 league matches, winning seven, drawing five and losing seven.

Under his watch, Magesi survived relegation after finishing in 13th place. Da Gama won the Betway Premiership Coach of the Month for March for steering Magesi away from the relegation zone following four wins in five games in all competitions.

The former Platinum Stars manager had taken over the reins from Clinton Larsen who quit the rookies.

Magesi had an up-and-down season as they won the 2024 Carling KnockOut Cup after stunning Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 late last year only for the wheels to come off. However, league form dipped and Larsen jumped ship.

Just when it was expected that Da Gama would take charge of Dikwena Tša Meetse beyond the six months he spent with them after succeeding Larsen, he was fired.

The ex-Highlands Park crossed the borders to Botswana for the greener pastures, which have since dried up.

What is the latest between Black Lions FC and Mngqithi?

However, things didn’t work out well for the veteran coach in Botswana with Black Lions confirming his dismissal via a statement.

Da Gama has left the club in 10th spot with 13 points from 14 matches.

Now, over the past few weeks, Black Lions FC’s officials have been pictured with the former Sundowns and now Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Mngqithi.

Such speculation is bound to continue as the veteran coach appears to have travelled to Botswana.

“Working session with coach Manqoba Mngqithi this afternoon,” Black Lions FC posted on their official Facebook page a caption with Mngqithi in the photo.

The Arrows coach seems to have witnessed a friendly the FNB Premiership rookies played with Dinare FC a day ago. The game ended two-all.

The Betway Premiership in South Africa is on a break to pave the way for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco where South Africa is among the participating teams.

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