Mngqithi Endorses Young Arrows Captain for PSL Defender of the Season Award

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi highlights that young captain Ayanda Jiyane deserves a nomination for PSL Defender of the Season, having only missed two matches this year.

Jiyane took on the captaincy at the beginning of the season and has demonstrated impressive leadership skills at a young age.

At only 23 years old, he joined Abafana Bes’thende from Royal AM last April and has quickly established himself as a key player at the Durban club this season.

The determined defender has clocked 2,432 minutes of play in the Betway Premiership, appearing in 31 matches across all competitions.

Significantly, Jiyane has registered more domestic playing time than any defender at Mamelodi Sundowns (excluding CAF Champions League matches), who are currently engaged in a tight title race against Orlando Pirates.

Candidates for Defender of the Season

Jiyane faces tough competition for this esteemed award. His primary rivals for the nomination include:

• Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates): The defender has excelled for the Soweto Giants, amassing 2,250 minutes and making vital contributions with goals.
• Mfanafuthi Mkhize & Sphamandla Ncanana (Durban City): This strong defensive pair has recorded 2,495 and 2,310 minutes respectively, helping their team clinch a historic first Nedbank Cup title against TS Galaxy at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The forthcoming award winner will strive to maintain the legacy of Orlando Pirates’ Nkosinathi Sibisi, the current PSL Defender of the Season.

Mngqithi’s Evaluation: “Extremely Consistent”

After an exhilarating 1-1 draw in the Durban Derby against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday night, Mngqithi commended his young captain’s determination.

“He has been exceptional and consistently reliable,” Mngqithi remarked.

“He has only missed one match due to injury and consistently delivers solid performances. We are very happy with his development this season.

“I will certainly consider him for nomination as Defender of the Season. However, it complicates matters when the team has conceded a significant number of goals.”

As Mngqithi noted, defensive weaknesses continue to be a significant issue for Arrows.

The Durban team has conceded 32 goals while scoring 31, resulting in a negative one-goal difference that could impact Jiyane’s chances for the accolade.

If nominated, Jiyane would become the first player from Golden Arrows to receive such recognition since Sibisi himself was honored while with the club during the 2020/21 season before his prominent transfer to Orlando Pirates.