Golden Arrows Coach Sends Strong Message as Thakasani Mbanjwa Earns Bafana Bafana Recognition

Golden Arrows assistant coach Ashley Makhanya has defended the quality of players at the KwaZulu-Natal club, insisting that Thakasani Mbanjwa’s inclusion in Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad is a deserved reward for consistent performances rather than the reputation of the team he represents.

Makhanya believes that players should be recognised for their performances on the pitch, regardless of whether they play for one of South Africa’s traditionally bigger clubs.

Mbanjwa’s inclusion in the preliminary squad has provided another opportunity to highlight the talent within the Golden Arrows setup, with Makhanya expressing confidence that the club’s players have earned their recognition through hard work and consistency.

Speaking about the call-ups, the Arrows assistant coach made his position clear, arguing that representing the national team should depend on merit rather than the size or popularity of a player's club.

“Golden Arrows with all these quality players, they deserve these call-ups, it’s on merit. You don’t have to move to the so-called big club to be part of the national team,” Makhanya said.

His comments underline an important debate in South African football: whether players at smaller or less commercially prominent clubs receive the same recognition as those representing the country's biggest teams.

Clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns traditionally attract considerable attention, but Makhanya remarks suggest that performances at Golden Arrows should carry equal weight when national team selections are considered.

For Mbanjwa, the preliminary selection represents an opportunity to demonstrate his ability at international level and potentially strengthen his case for a place in the final squad.

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