Mngqithi compares Jiyane to former Pirates stalwart Sangweni

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has lauded club captain Ayanda Jiyane, likening the defender’s style and impact to that of former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana stalwart Siyabonga Sangweni.

Jiyane has emerged as a cornerstone of the Abafana Bes’thende backline during the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign. His rise at the Lamontville-based outfit is particularly noteworthy given his arrival as a free agent following the high-profile expulsion of Royal AM from the league.

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When Thwihli Thwahla lost its top-flight status due to financial instability, Arrows moved with clinical precision to snap up Jiyane alongside other seasoned campaigners like Thabo Matlaba and Ayabulela Maxwele.

Since his arrival, the 23-year-old has not only secured a regular starting berth but has also earned the trust of the technical team, leading the side as captain. Jiyane has been ever-present this season, racking up 30 appearances across all competitions and chipping in with a goal.

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Mngqithi, the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor, has been particularly impressed by Jiyane’s technical ability to lead from the back while maintaining defensive aggression. He pointed to Jiyane’s prowess in one-on-one situations and aerial duels as traits reminiscent of the legendary Sangweni, who played for Pirates.

“I think Jiyane has been very instrumental in our team; he has worked his way up and forced himself into the starting 11. He also forced himself into the captaincy because he’s probably one of our most regular players,” said Mngqithi.

“He’s one of the best on one-against-one; he reminds me of former Pirates star Siyabonga Sangweni. He’s very energetic and quick for the type of football we play because we are aggressive, and we are a team that wants to be in the opposition’s half.”

Standing at a stature often considered “short” for a traditional centre-back in the local game, Jiyane has consistently defied critics by out-jumping some of the league’s most physically imposing strikers. Mngqithi used the comparison to highlight a broader issue in South African talent scouting.

“A lot of people would say he’s short for a centre-back, but he has won balls against all the tallest strikers,” Mngqithi added.

“I look at players like [Fabio] Cannavaro and [Carles] Puyol—they played for their national teams with that stature, and they won trophies and the World Cup. But in South Africa, we’d rather go for a tall, clumsy player. I’m so happy for this boy, and I wish I could still be part of the process of his growth.”