Former Lijabatho Football Club (FC) head coach James Madidilane has officially been unveiled as assistant coach of South African Premier Soccer League side Golden Arrows FC, marking a swift return to his homeland after ending a highly successful stint in Lesotho football.
Golden Arrows announced on June 24, that Madidilane will serve as assistant to newly appointed head coach Pitso Dladla as the Durban-based club reshapes its technical team ahead of the new season.
The club also confirmed the appointment of Jacob Mokhasi as goalkeeper coach following his departure from Marumo Gallants. The duo replaces outgoing assistant coaches Musa Bilankulu and KagisoDikgacoi, while Marcus Mashilo leaves his role as goalkeeper coach.
For many local football followers, the appointment comes as little surprise after Madidilane recently revealed that he was exploring opportunities in South Africa following his departure from Vodacom Premier League champions Lijabatho FC.
Last week, the South African tactician moved to clarify speculation surrounding his exit from the Morija-based side, insisting that he did not resign from the club.
“I did not resign,” Madidilane told Newsday Sports in an exclusive interview.
“We had a meeting with the management of the club to discuss, among other things, my future with the club as my contract was going to end in November this year. After a lot of deliberations, we reached a mutual agreement with the management to part ways as part of doing what was best for everyone’s interests.”
His departure brought an end to a remarkable chapter at Lijabatho, where he guided the club to its first-ever Vodacom Premier League title during the 2025/26 season and secured a historic qualification for the CAF Champions League.
Although he declined to publicly discuss the challenges that influenced his departure, Madidilane acknowledged that internal issues within the club contributed to the decision.
“There have been a lot of things happening within the club, but I would rather not discuss them publicly,” he said.
The former Bantu FC coach revealed at the time that he was looking for opportunities either abroad or back in South Africa.
“Given the situation at hand, I also found it better for me to move on abroad or back home to look for greener pastures. I have played my fair share in Lesotho; now it is time to move on.”
Those comments have now materialised with his appointment at Golden Arrows, where he reunites with top-flight football in South Africa.
Madidilane leaves Lesotho with an impressive legacy. Before transforming Lijabatho into league champions, he enjoyed tremendous success with Bantu FC, leading the Mafeteng giants to back-to-back league titles in the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons. He also served as assistant coach of the senior national team, Likuena, further enhancing his reputation as one of the most respected coaches to have worked in Lesotho football.
Despite his departure, Madidilane expressed deep gratitude to the country that helped shape his coaching career.
“Lesotho made me who I am. I am Coach Madidilane today because of Lesotho football. I would not have achieved this status if I was still in South Africa,” he said.
“Even though I am leaving with a job half done because I wanted to go to CAF and compete, and take the club beyond the group stages, it is better for everyone that we part ways.”
A former star right-back for Bloemfontein Celtic during his playing days, Madidilane now embarks on a new challenge at Golden Arrows, carrying with him a wealth of experience gained from years of success in Lesotho football.
His move represents another significant milestone for Lesotho football, highlighting the growing recognition of coaching talent developed within the country’s football structures.
Meanwhile, Lijabatho has begun the search for a new head coach as they prepare to defend their maiden league crown and make their historic debut in the CAF Champions League next season.
Summary
- His departure brought an end to a remarkable chapter at Lijabatho, where he guided the club to its first-ever Vodacom Premier League title during the 2025/26 season and secured a historic qualification for the CAF Champions League.
- “Even though I am leaving with a job half done because I wanted to go to CAF and compete, and take the club beyond the group stages, it is better for everyone that we part ways.
- A former star right-back for Bloemfontein Celtic during his playing days, Madidilane now embarks on a new challenge at Golden Arrows, carrying with him a wealth of experience gained from years of success in Lesotho football.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
