Siyabonga ‘Sniper’ Mtombeni’s proposed move to Golden Arrows recently collapsed, leaving the industrious striker at home without a club despite being released by Upington City FC to complete the transfer.
Mtombeni appeared set to make the step up to the Betway Premiership ahead of the 2026/27 season after reaching an agreement with Abafana Bes’thende.
The 26-year-old subsequently signed the contract Arrows presented to him after receiving clearance from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Upington City.
However, FARPost understands that Arrows did not countersign the agreement, so the deal was never formally completed. Mtombeni is now a free agent and remains without a club weeks into the new campaign.
WHY MTOMBENI’S GOLDEN ARROWS MOVE COLLAPSED
The striker had initially been identified as a potential replacement for Junior Dion, who was expected to leave Arrows at the end of last season. However, Dion ultimately remained with the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
The setback is a cruel twist for the forward, who had been preparing to take the biggest step of his career after steadily working his way through South Africa’s lower football divisions.
Had the move been completed, Mtombeni would have become the third Upington City player to join Arrows ahead of the season. Abafana Bes’thende also secured wingers Keabetswe Rakosa and Mandla Hlumelo from the Northern Cape club.
WHO IS SIYABONGA ‘SNIPER’ MTOMBENI?
Born in Mhluzi, Middelburg, in Mpumalanga, Mtombeni previously represented Jomo Cosmos, TS Sporting and Baroka FC before joining Upington City. He moved to the Northern Cape outfit after leaving Baroka at the end of the 2024/25 campaign and quickly attracted interest through his performances in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Although he is not regarded as a prolific goalscorer in the traditional mould, Mtombeni has earned praise for his intelligent movement, willingness to stretch defensive lines and selfless work in the final third.
Those who have followed his development closely believe his playing style shares some of the qualities that helped propel Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa to prominence.
Mtombeni links attacking play effectively, creating opportunities for teammates and unsettling defenders rather than operating solely as an out-and-out finisher.
He further enhanced his reputation during the 2026 Nedbank Cup campaign, producing several eye-catching performances. One standout display came against Durban City, when he was named Man of the Match despite Upington City losing on penalties.
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