Tinkler Defends Mngqithi Amidst Strong Criticism
Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler has come to the defense of Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi, asserting that he will eventually find his rhythm at the Tshwane giants.
Tinkler draws parallels between Mngqithi’s current situation and that of his predecessor, Rulani Mokwena, who was given time to establish his style before leaving at the end of last season.
Under Mokwena, Sundowns were renowned for their suffocating, possession-based style of play. They dominated games from start to finish with relentless intensity. However, Mngqithi’s early performances have raised eyebrows, particularly after their loss to Stellenbosch in the MTN8 semi-final.
Critics have questioned Sundowns’ slower pace and lack of control compared to Mokwena’s era.
Tinkler, whose City team was the only side to defeat Sundowns last season, believes that Mngqithi needs time to implement his own approach. “I think there’s a difference in styles between Mokwena and Mngqithi,” said Tinkler, whose side started the 2024/25 season with a draw against Royal AM on Saturday.
“I still see them as very pressing team. But coaches come with different ideas, different mentalities. “Obviously, there is certain aspect of how they play that you don’t want to change and I don’t think he has changed that, maybe personnel.
“But if it’s about personnel, it has to gel, get the better understanding of each other and that doesn’t happen overnight.
“Everyone assumes that you signed five or six players and tomorrow there are going to click, it doesn’t work that way, it takes time.
“What he has there? He has an abundance of talent and now it is just finding the right combination and Rulani had that combination. But for how many years that he was there?
“Manqoba now is taking over, he has his ideas, it takes time and I don’t think it is fair criticism.”
Despite the criticism, Sundowns have shown glimpses of their former dominance, as evidenced by their 4-0 victory over Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League. As they prepare to start their league defense against SuperSport United at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday night, fans will be eager to see if Mngqithi can rekindle the suffocating style that defined Sundowns under Mokwena.
