Mamelodi Sundowns are currently navigating a transitional phase without a head coach following the departure of Rulani Mokwena, and the return of Steve Komphela as senior coach.
Then there’s Manqoba Mngqithi who’s expected to remain in his assistant coaching position, but it will depend on when a head coach can be confirmed in order to understand how these coaches will fit in.
READ: From Sundowns’ Bench To Europe
Concurrently, Benni McCarthy, South Africa’s all-time top goalscorer and recently a forward’s coach at Manchester United, finds himself without a team.
This has sparked a discussion about potential coaching fits for Sundowns, with McCarthy emerging as an option.
In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego “Killer” Mphela shared his insights on whether his former national team partner could be the right choice for the Brazilians.
Mphela highlighted that McCarthy’s compatibility with the club would largely depend on his coaching philosophy and how it aligns with Sundowns’ famed “Shoe Shine and Piano” style of play.
“I am not sure but personally I believe he can fit in. It will all depend on his philosophy and style of play. Will it fit in the shoe shine and piano of Sundowns? I am saying this after looking at what happened to Rulani Mokwena with reports that the Sporting Director has powers over the coach,” Mphela told the Siya crew.
“Would Benni agree to that if he would want to sign his own players and release the ones he doesn’t want or will the Sporting Director control the movements? If all that is sorted then as a coach he can fit in very well,” Mphela observed.
READ: Goss’ Sundowns Showdown!
Mphela also pointed out that McCarthy’s recent experience at Manchester United could be a significant advantage, providing him with fresh perspectives and methodologies that could enrich Sundowns’ tactical approach.
“Knowing his personality he can coach Sundowns. He has that winning mentality and that’s what Sundowns are for as well. And now he even has the experience of having been part of the Manchester United technical team and that means he has learnt a lot from there which could benefit Sundowns and South African football as a whole. As long long as he can continue with the same style of play and culture of Sundowns I don’t see any problem why he can’t fit in and coach there. He is a South African and young and he understands the players as well,” Mphela believes.
As discussions and speculation continue, including some fans wondering if Pitso Mosimane could return as head coach, the football community eagerly awaits further development. Whether McCarthy will take up this role remains to be seen, but his potential appointment could mark a significant chapter in both his coaching career and the club’s history.
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