Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Mngqithi remains coy on why Golden Arrows fired Kaizer Chiefs slayer Knox Mutizwa and AmaZulu-linked Thabani Zuke - 'We prefer to keep our dirty linen within the house'

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi gave a cagey response when asked if the Premier Soccer League side had reportedly released Knox Mutizwa and Thabani Zuke.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician kept his cards close to his chest, preferring to sound philosophical when pressed to confirm whether the two have been released and why.

"For the decisions we take as a team, we will always prefer to keep our dirty linen within the house," Mngqithi told the press during his media duties after his side were beaten 3-0 by Orlando Pirates in Jose Riveiro's last game in charge of the Bucs.

However, Zuke's agent, Mike Makaab, recently rubbished the AmaZulu pre-contract rumours and stated that the defender has not opened talks with any club regarding a future move.

"We started representing Thabani Zuke, and one thing I can tell you is that he has not signed a pre-contract with any football club," Makaab is quoted by Soccer Laduma as saying. 

"We have not entered into discussions with any football club. We respect the contract the contract has with the football club. At the end of the day, if the player is happy and the club is happy, the first port of call will always be the club he is currently playing for. Unless there is a breakdown in the relationship. So, he is still with the club."

Recent reports by FARPost indicated that Zuke and Mutizwa were released with immediate effect earlier in the month.

As Zuke's exit was linked with a pre-contract deal with Usuthu, Mutizwa's situation has been linked with what Arrows consider underperformance.

Mutizwa joined Arrows in 2017 from the now defunct Bidvest Wits and went on to become a key goal scorer for the Durban-based outfit. The Zimbabwean has been seen as the 'Kaizer Chiefs slayer', given that he has scored seven goals against Amakhosi.

Mutizwa last played for Abafana Bes’thende on April 26 during a 1-0 loss to Usuthu. On the other hand, Zuke has been missing since April 5 after featuring during a goalless draw against Chippa United.

With their exits yet to be officially confirmed, speculation around their future will only increase.

When the transfer window opens up, the duo will be keenly followed as fans will be eager to see whether they will remain or will choose to join other PSL clubs.

For Mngqithi, his focus should be on helping Arrows win the remaining two games and boost their chances of finishing in the top eight.

Arrows will play Richards Bay on May 17 before a game against Sekhukhune United on May 24.