Former Lamontville Golden Arrows winger Andile Fikizolo has embarked on a new adventure as a coach at Abafana Bes’thende, signalling the potential end of his playing career.
While he hasn’t officially confirmed he has hung up his boots, his new role as Arrows’ coach hints at a different path for him in the football industry.
‘Carrot’, as he’s affectionately known, is now the head coach of the Golden Arrows Hollywoodbets Regional League side, which serves as a feeder system for the club’s senior and reserve squads.
ANDILE FIKIZOLO RETURNS TO ARROWS AS A COACH
“He’s managing our SAB team,” Comfort Thusi, the club’s media officer, confirmed to FARPost. “It’s been like over a month now, we’re approaching two months now working with him.”
In a move that sees him return to his roots, the 30-year-old has taken on the responsibility of nurturing young talent at the club where he himself emerged from the youth ranks.
A LOOK INTO FIKIZOLO’S PLAYING CAREER
While his football story started at Arrows, Fikizolo first burst onto the South African football scene during the 2013/14 season in the Nedbank Cup, where he was turning out for Thanda Royal Zulu.
His standout performances that season included a memorable brace against Orlando Pirates in the round of 32, a match that ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw before the Buccaneers eliminated the minnows on penalties.
At the beginning of the 2014/15 season, Fikizolo made the move to SuperSport United, having caught the eye with his performances for the now-defunct Amabhubesi in the second-tier.
His stint at SuperSport United was short-lived, lasting only six months. Seeking more playing time, he returned to his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, joining Arrows on loan.
That season, under the guidance of coach Shaun Bartlett, he played a crucial role in helping the Durban-based side secure promotion to the top-flight.
Fikizolo continued at Abafana Bes’thende, initially on loan from Swanky Boys before he made his move permanent in 2017.
Thereafter, he played for Royal Eagles and Bloemfontein Celtic before returning to Arrows for a second stint. His most recent club was Polokwane City FC last season.
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