Mngqithi Backs Young Arrows Captain for PSL Defender of the Season Honor

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi emphasizes that young captain Ayanda Jiyane has a strong case for a PSL Defender of the Season nomination, having only missed two matches this season.

Jiyane was appointed as captain at the start of the season and has shown remarkable leadership despite his age.

At just 23, he transitioned to Abafana Bes’thende from Royal AM last April and has swiftly become the most crucial player at the Durban club this season.

The tenacious defender has accumulated 2,432 minutes of play in the Betway Premiership, participating in 31 matches across all competitions.

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

Defender of the Season Contenders

Jiyane will face stiff competition for the prestigious award. His main rivals for the nomination include:

• Lebone Seema (Orlando Pirates): The defender has been outstanding for the Soweto Giants, logging 2,250 minutes and contributing crucial goals.
• Mfanafuthi Mkhize & Sphamandla Ncanana (Durban City): This impressive defensive duo has amassed 2,495 and 2,310 minutes respectively, aiding their team in securing a historic first Nedbank Cup title against TS Galaxy at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The next award winner will aim to uphold the legacy of Orlando Pirates’ Nkosinathi Sibisi, the reigning PSL Defender of the Season.

Mngqithi’s Assessment: “Very Consistent”

Following an exciting 1-1 draw in the Durban Derby against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday night, Mngqithi praised his young captain’s resolve.

“He has been fantastic and remarkably consistent,” Mngqithi stated.

“He has only missed one match due to injury and consistently provides solid performances. We are very pleased with his growth this season.

“I will definitely consider him for nomination as Defender of the Season. However, it does become tricky when the team has conceded a substantial number of goals.”

As Mngqithi pointed out, defensive lapses remain a key weakness for Arrows.

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

If nominated, Jiyane would be the first player from Golden Arrows to receive a nod since Sibisi himself was recognized while with the club during the 2020/21 season prior to his high-profile move to Orlando Pirates.