Manqoba Mngqithi's capacity to lead Mamelodi Sundowns as head coach has been a hot subject after two back-to-back defeats at the hands of Stellenbosch, but Mngqithi says anyone who doubts his capabilities as the mentor of Masandawana is malicious.
Mngqithi agonizingly saw Downs succumb to Stellies in the MTN8 semi-final, losing 2-0 over two legs, which sparked debate on whether the former Golden Arrows head coach is the right man to lead the Chloorkop-based side.
Mngqithi was elevated to the top job after the unexpected departure of Rhulani Mokwena, who has since resurfaced at Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. Mngqithi has been at Sundowns since 2013, serving as Pitso Mosimane’s second in command for the most part of his stay.
The 53-year-old was given a prevalent role in 2020 when the club appointed him and Mokwena as co-head coaches, before he was redeployed as a senior coach, first team and most recently an assistant to Mokwena.
“I am never interested in answering questions about position and power. For me that is the biggest set-back in our country because people don’t want to work, but they want to be in positions of power because they believe when they are in positions of power, they can do as they please,” said Mngqithi.
“Personally, I am not somebody who always advocates for power and positions because I believe what is more important is to fight to be influential in whatever space you are in and be a positive influence in that space. That for me is the most important thing, more than which position you are holding.
“As a coach, I have never even fought to become a head coach in any team that I have coached before. I was an assistant coach at Golden Arrows but it was them who saw that he could be their coach. I have never applied for a coaching job, teams always bring me because of what they think or what they see. Positions are not the most important,” he added.
WATCH: Mngqithi heavily criticised by fans
While the backlash has been heavily directed at Mngqithi – he remains calm, just like he usually cuts a relaxed and composed figure on the bench.
“I don’t even have social media so I cannot answer on something I don’t even see. One thing I know is that when you are the leader of the pack, it is always important to try to move your ears away from the ground and focus on what you are doing because as it is, I don’t think there is any reason for anyone to believe I cannot coach Sundowns.
“I believe that anyone who thinks like that might be malicious or might be having issues, or maybe might be sent by others to say things that suit those particular individuals. But for someone to think I am not capable of coaching Sundowns, that will be very strange for me.”
Sundowns, as defending champions, will kick start the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season with a Tshwane derby against crosstown rivals SuperSport United, in a tie Mngqithi anticipates a lot of heavy blows.
“It is going to be a very tough match. SuperSport and Sundowns matches are never easy. SuperSport have recruited quite well and they will come in guns blazing in that match but we also have the right ammunition to play SuperSport and potentially fight for the result and win the match,” said Mngqithi.
A message for the Yellow Nation from our Coach 💬🗣#Sundowns #MTN8 pic.twitter.com/Qw3GNrBNgQ
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 2, 2024
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