Kaizer Chiefs’ Old Nemesis at Centre of FIFA Ruling Against Golden Arrows
Golden Arrows have been plunged into crisis after FIFA imposed a transfer ban on the club for failing to pay money owed to their former star forward Knox Mutizwa. The sanction arrives as a significant blow for coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who now faces the prospect of navigating upcoming competitions without the ability to reinforce his squad.
Arrows parted ways with Mutizwa and Thabani Zuke at the end of last season, with both players eventually joining Richards Bay FC. However, Mutizwa reported his unresolved financial dispute to FIFA after the club allegedly failed to honour a settlement agreement.
FIFA moves in
According to SABC Sport, Arrows and Mutizwa had reached a financial repayment arrangement, but the club did not fulfil its obligations. FIFA subsequently intervened, confirming that a complete national and international registration ban has been activated.
The correspondence reportedly stated:
“A ban from registering new players internationally and nationally has been implemented… The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid, and may last for a maximum of three full consecutive registration periods.”
Mngqithi, who previously coached Mamelodi Sundowns, declined to go into detail when early rumours surfaced, saying only that the club preferred to handle internal matters privately.
Mutizwa’s legacy – and why this stings even more
Mutizwa joined Golden Arrows in 2017 from the now-defunct Bidvest Wits and went on to become one of the club’s most influential attackers. He built a reputation as a nightmare for Kaizer Chiefs, scoring seven goals against Amakhosi and cementing his status as one of their most persistent tormentors.
Across eight years and multiple stints, Mutizwa netted 63 goals in 231 appearances for Arrows, becoming their all-time leading scorer.
Now at Richards Bay, the Zimbabwean striker has quickly become a central figure, helping the club reach the semi-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup before falling to Orlando Pirates.
What next for Arrows?
The Durban club can overturn the transfer ban, but only once they settle the outstanding amount owed to Mutizwa. Until then, they are barred from signing new players — a potentially crippling setback as they look to remain competitive in the league and cup competitions.