Extra Time: Mamelodi Sundowns’ poor run of shock defeats has coach Mngqithi’s job hanging by a thread, writes Michael Madyira.
- Former champions Sundowns suffer embarrassing defeats to small teams as pressure mounts on coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
- Coach’s fights with star players make things worse as the team faces its worst run in seven years.
Mamelodi Sundowns, once South Africa’s best football team, appear to be struggling lately, as teams that used to fear them now fancy their chances of winning.
The troubles started when Stellenbosch FC knocked them out of the MTN8, beating them home and away.
Then Polokwane City handed them a 1-0 loss in the league, leaving them trailing behind Orlando Pirates in the title race.
Things got worse when PSL newcomers Magesi shocked them in Saturday’s Carling Knockout final. Magesi only played their first top-flight game two months ago.
On Tuesday, Sundowns failed to beat AS Maniema at home in the CAF Champions League, drawing 0-0 with the DR Congo team, who had never reached this stage before.
This is not the mighty Sundowns fans have known for the past seven years. The last time they had to play catch-up in the league was in 2019/20. Just last season, they came close to going unbeaten in the league.
Now coach Manqoba Mngqithi is feeling the heat. He might say he needs time to build his team after taking over from Rhulani Mokwena, but his bosses at Chloorkop aren’t known for their patience.
Making matters worse, Mngqithi has fallen out with star players like Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau. He even criticised Mudau and other key players in public after losing to Magesi.
If things don’t improve soon, Mngqithi might not keep his job until Christmas.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi addressing the media.
Source: Mamelodi Sundowns
