Golden Arrows have completed the signing of industrious striker Siyabonga ‘Sniper’ Mtombeni from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Upington City FC ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
He becomes the second Upington player to move to the Betway Premiership side after the club also secured the services of winger Keabetswe Rakosa.
FARPost understands that all parties have reached an agreement, with the 26-year-old attacker having already signed his contract with Abafana Bes’thende.
Mtombeni arrives at Arrows with a growing reputation as one of the most exciting forwards outside the top flight. While he is not regarded as a prolific goalscorer in the traditional mould, those who have closely followed his development believe he possesses many of the attributes that helped propel Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa to prominence.
Like Makgopa, Mtombeni is known for his intelligent movement, ability to stretch defensive lines and selfless work in the final third. He is particularly effective at creating scoring opportunities for teammates and linking attacking play rather than simply operating as an out-and-out finisher.
The move marks an exciting rise for the striker, who has steadily worked his way through South African football’s lower divisions.
WHO IS SIYABONGA MTOMBENI, THE NEW GOLDEN ARROWS STRIKER
Born in Mhluzi, Middelburg, in Mpumalanga, Mtombeni previously turned out for Jomo Cosmos, TS Sporting and Baroka FC before joining Upington City. He initially signed for the Northern Cape outfit after leaving Baroka at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Mtombeni’s performances at Upington City quickly attracted attention from several clubs across Southern Africa.
Interest had emerged from a number of Motsepe Foundation Championship sides, while Eswatini Premier League outfit Tabankulu Celtics were also monitoring his situation. However, the Durban side moved swiftly to secure his signature as they continue strengthening their squad for the upcoming season.
The striker further enhanced his reputation during the 2026 Nedbank Cup campaign, delivering several eye-catching performances. One of his standout displays came against Durban City, earning him the Man of the Match award despite Upington City’s eventual penalty shootout defeat.
Arrows could benefit from Mtombeni’s versatility, work ethic and ability to bring others into play will add a different dimension to their attack.
The KwaZulu-Natal club has developed a reputation for identifying and nurturing talent from the lower leagues, and they will hope Mtombeni shines in the top-flight. Meanwhile, Upington defender-cum-midfielder Givemore Khupe also penned a long term deal with Sekhukhune United.
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