Lamontville Golden Arrows – The Arrows of Durban’s Football Soul
Lamontville Golden Arrows Football Club is one of the most inspiring township-born football success stories in South Africa. Originally founded in the 1940s and revived in the 1990s, the club rose from the streets of Lamontville to PSL prominence. Abafana Bes’thende have become synonymous with fearless football, youth development, and the vibrant footballing culture of KwaZulu-Natal.
🟩 SECTION 2: Club Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lamontville Golden Arrows Football Club |
| Nickname | Abafana Bes’thende (Back-heel extension) |
| Founded | 1943 (original), revived in 1996 |
| Location | Lamontville, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Home Stadium | Princess Magogo Stadium, KwaMashu |
| Club Colors | Yellow and Green |
| League | Premier Soccer League (PSL) |
| Status | Active |
🟩 SECTION 3: Origins and Revival
From Lamontville Streets to the PSL Spotlight
Golden Arrows was originally founded in 1943 in Lamontville, Durban, and played in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) during the 1970s. After being relegated in 1976 and facing mismanagement and scandal, the club disappeared from the top-flight scene.
In 1996, the club was reborn when siblings Mato and the late Rocky Madlala purchased the First Division franchise of Ntokozo FC. They renamed the club Lamontville Golden Arrows, restoring a symbol of township football pride. Despite financial constraints (players weren’t paid in the first two seasons), the Madlalas stayed committed, and the team gained promotion to the PSL in 1999/2000.
🟩 SECTION 4: Playing Style and Culture
Fast, Fearless, and Proudly Township
- 🏹 Play Style: High-tempo, attacking football with quick transitions and technical midfielders.
- 🔰 Fan Culture: Loyal support from Lamontville, KwaMashu, Umlazi, and surrounding areas, creating a buzzing matchday atmosphere.
- 🌱 Youth Philosophy: One of the best platforms for raw township talent in South Africa.
- 📣 Nickname Meaning: “Abafana Bes’thende” refers to their flair.
🟩 SECTION 5: Trophies and Milestones
| Competition | Titles | Notable Wins |
|---|---|---|
| MTN 8 | 1 | 2009 – Defeated Ajax Cape Town 6–0 |
| First Division (NFD) | 1 | 2014–15 – Promoted to PSL |
| PSL Best Finish | – | 4th place in 2020–21 season |
📌 The 2009 MTN8 Final remains one of the most dominant cup final performances in SA history.
🟩 SECTION 6: Coaches and Key Players
🧠 Notable Coaches:
- Manqoba Mngqithi – Led Arrows to their historic MTN8 title in 2009.
- Clinton Larsen – Stabilized the club through challenging PSL seasons.
- Steve Komphela – Instilled tactical discipline and secured top-4 finishes.
🌟 Notable Players:
- Papi Zothwane
- Lucky Sibeko
- Richard Henyekane
🟩 SECTION 7: Ownership and Leadership
| Period | Owners / Key Leaders | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1996–2007 | Rocky & Mato Madlala | Purchased Ntokozo FC franchise; rebuilt Arrows from scratch. |
| 2007–Present | Mato Madlala | Took full ownership after Rocky’s passing; remains club chairperson. |
| Current Co-Director | Nkosinathi Allen Khena | Holds multiple business and state leadership roles, including at PRASA. |
📌 Mato Madlala is also the longest-serving acting CEO of the PSL (since 2015) and a powerful figure in SA football administration.
🟩 SECTION 8: Community and Development
Grassroots First – Football with a Purpose
- 👧 Women’s Football: Involved in supporting women’s football across KZN.
- 🧒 Youth Academy: Known for grooming local, underprivileged talent.
- 🥁 Matchdays: Drums, vuvuzelas, and township passion make Princess Magogo Stadium electric.
🟩 SECTION 9: Rivalries
KZN Clashes that Light Up the PSL
| Rival Club | Derby Name / Significance |
|---|---|
| AmaZulu FC | Durban Derby – Full of cultural pride and passion. |
| Maritzburg United | KZN Derby – Symbol of regional bragging rights. |
🟩 SECTION 10: Why Golden Arrows Matter
✅ Among the few township-origin clubs to succeed in the PSL.
✅ Pioneers in youth development and unearthing unpolished gems.
✅ Proof that football passion > financial power.
✅ Home of historic upsets — Chiefs, Pirates, Sundowns have all fallen at Arrows’ hands.
🟩 SECTION 11: The Arrows Still Fly
“We play from the heart, for the people of Lamontville. We’ve always been the underdogs, and that’s why we fight harder.” – Former Arrows Captain
Golden Arrows is more than a club — it’s a story of comeback, commitment, and community. From their rebirth in the ’90s to MTN8 glory and consistent PSL presence, Abafana Bes’thende continue to soar. With leadership rooted in resilience and a fanbase built on family, the Arrows still aim high — and the next chapter may be their best yet.
