Shake-up at KZN clubs as Kamatuka departs, Manqoba Mngqithi linked away

NEDBANK Cup champions Durban City have reportedly parted ways with Namibian international striker Joslin Kamatuka as teams pave way for preparations of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

The 34-year-old forward was released last Monday by the KwaZulu-Natal-based club, bringing an end to a productive three-season spell in which he became one of the team’s most influential attackers.

Kamatuka’s contract was set to expire at the end of June, with club management reportedly opting not to trigger an extension clause as they begin planning for the new campaign.

The Brave Warriors striker will be fondly remembered for his standout 2024/25 season, where he played a key role in guiding the club back to top-flight football after their Motsepe Foundation Championship success.

His sharp form in front of goal saw him finish that campaign as Durban City’s leading scorer with 15 goals, underlining his importance during their promotion push.

Across his three-year stay, Kamatuka registered 28 goals in all competitions, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the final third and a consistent contributor during key moments.

His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the striker, who leaves the club after helping them stabilise following their return to the elite division.

Club insiders suggest Durban City are already assessing replacement options in the transfer market, with a focus expected to shift towards younger attacking profiles as part of a broader squad refresh ahead of their second consecutive Betway Premiership season.

Meanwhile, attention is also turning to Lamontville Golden Arrows, where head coach Manqoba Mngqithi is understood to be approaching the end of his contract following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Coach Manqoba to Shitolo👏🏿 pic.twitter.com/G4oMNnEIQs

— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) June 1, 2026

Mngqithi guided Arrows to a top-eight finish, their best league position since the 2020/21 campaign under Mandla Ncikazi, signalling a measure of progress in KwaZulu-Natal.

Despite that achievement, sources indicate uncertainty over his long-term future, with his tenure potentially coming to an end despite a relatively successful season.

The experienced coach, formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns, has already been loosely linked with roles at Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu as speculation around his next move continues to grow.

Arrows are expected to make an internal review of the campaign in the coming weeks, with a final decision on Mngqithi’s future likely to shape their transfer strategy heading into pre-season.

As things stand, both Durban City and Arrows could be heading into a period of transition as key decisions loom ahead of the new campaign.