Manqoba Mngqithi, Head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns reacts during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on 06 November 2024
Samuel Shivambu, Backpages
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi might have done well to further strengthen his relationship with the club following the team’s latest achievement of reaching a cup final, close sources have indicated.
On Sunday, the Brazilians advanced to the final of the Carling Knockout Cup after defeating Marumo Gallants 2-0 at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in the Free State.
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The Chloorkop side will play against Magesi FC in the final on November 23 after the giant-killing PSL’s new boys beat Richards Bay FC in their semi-final clash in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
Downs’ impressive run in the competition might have further strengthened the relationship between Mngqithi and the club’s top brass, with the expectations that it could be the beginning of better things to come for the ambitious side.
Earlier in the campaign after Mngqithi was elevated to the head coach role following the departure of Rulani Mokwena, there were concerns from some sections of the team’s supporters on whether the club had made the right decision.
This was after the former African champions were knocked out of the MTN8 in the semi-finals by Stellenbosch FC although the club has been resolute in its support for the experienced mentor.
“From the word go, there have never been any doubts from the club about the coach or any of his technical team members. It has just been noise from the outside with the people on social media and the media talking, but from inside the club everyone has been focused on the task at hand to improve the team,” said the source.
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“Everyone in the team has confidence in the coach and his technical team. That’s how everyone at the club feels. Yes, the target is the main one, and that’s the Champions League, but it doesn’t mean that the club doesn’t want to do well in other competitions domestically. Of course, the league is important, and the team will want to defend it again, and to also do well in cup competitions,” the source said.
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