Snl24 | Heat on Manqoba | ‘Rulani’s problem is greediness’

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 11: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi during the MTN8, Quarter Final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City at Lucas Moripe Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena has hit back at head coach Manqoba Mngqithi’s critics, making a bold prediction about what he is going to achieve this season.

Mngqithi is under fire from some of the club’s supporters, who feel he might be too soft to handle a big, star-studded change room like that of the league champions.

Mokoena says it is unfair for fans to compare the former Golden Arrows mentor with his predecessors Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane.

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“I still have hope in Mngqithi. he’s been there for a long time, so as a coach, I don’t think you should be arrogant for players to understand you,” Mokoena says. 

“The likes of Rulani, they’ve got their characters. Even Steve Komphela is soft, so he is just like Manqoba Mngqithi. But they will manage.

“Rulani didn’t win the league on his own, Manqoba was there, it’s just that Manqoba believes in teamwork. But once Rulani took over, he always wanted to be the one at the forefront. He didn’t give the others a chance.

“Yes, things will be tough this season compared to last season, but Manqoba will win the league for Sundowns. It will be tough because teams are reinforcing.

“We must give Manqoba a chance. Rulani’s problem is greediness, he wants to be in charge of everything, hence you could easily tell he was the head coach,” adds the man who played at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Mokoena reiterates his belief that the 53-year-old tactician will continue Sundowns’ dominance when it comes to the 30-game league.  

“Mngqithi is going to win the league this season, even though it is not going to be easy like it was last season. He will take the league.

“He should not be judged on winning or losing the MTN8 because even though Rulani didn’t win it last season, he still managed to win the league title. It is too early to judge.

“Sundowns have cream in their squad. Even though this season they will not win the league with too many points, they will still win it. But there won’t be a huge gap.

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“[Orlando] Pirates are not consistent, so they cannot go all the way. I see Manqoba Mngqithi winning Sundowns the league.

“Yesterday’s game against Cape Town Spurs, in the second half, Pirates showed they are not man enough to handle pressure. Pirates crack under pressure.”